Canister Filter Media input for high tech aquarium

[PoissonRouge]

Hi everyone!

I have scoured the internet searching for some answers without luck. So I want some experienced input on what to media to keep in my canister filter.

For the tank it is a 46gallon bow, dirt substrate, high lighting and pressurized co2 injection (using a diffuser - NOT inline through filter). Fluval 406 canister filter - I keep wondering how the different media is affecting my co2 in the tank. Of course I want the optimal dispersion of co2 and I am curious if the polishing pads or active carbon hinder or help, or what is the best media combination for overall balance in your opinions?

Thanks!

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

I've been in the aquatic hobby for 24+ years, and here's what I got going...

Carbon has an effect on fertilizers, because aquarist mainly use carbon to help keep the water clear, remove toxins, and other stuff like aquarium medications from the water... It removes ferts when used in a planted aquarium...

I only use carbon when setting up a new tank, I use it in my canister filters for the first 3 weeks after setting up any new tank then I take it out. Here's what's in my canister filters right now....

Polyester fiberfill (untreated meaning no dyes, or fragrance))
Filter pads
Bio-Rings

Some people use purigen to keep their tank water clean and clear, but I've found using polyster fiberfill keeps the water clear, and is generally cheaper...

Now as for co2, I recommend using either a rex griggs inline reactor, or a cerges reactor both will give you 100% co2 diffusion when installed correctly.

 

[PoissonRouge]

Thanks for the great info! I like to know what other people have had success with. So do you think that the carbon also negatively affects the co2 when water is cycled through the filter? I know it has an impact on liquid aquarium ferts....

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

Carbon has no effect on co2 levels in a planted tank...

 

[bbortko]

I'm running a cerges reactor after an ehein 2217. Ehein has stock media, ceramic tubes and coarse sponge for mechanical, ceramic bio media and a polishing pad. I've heard pyrogen doesn't effect co2 or frets but don't need it so I never tried it and stopped using carbon long before going hi-tech so no experience there either.

 

[mrrobxc]

I've been in the aquatic hobby for 24+ years, and here's what I got going...

Carbon has an effect on fertilizers, because aquarist mainly use carbon to help keep the water clear, remove toxins, and other stuff like aquarium medications from the water... It removes ferts when used in a planted aquarium...

I only use carbon when setting up a new tank, I use it in my canister filters for the first 3 weeks after setting up any new tank then I take it out. Here's what's in my canister filters right now....

Polyester fiberfill (untreated meaning no dyes, or fragrance))
Filter pads
Bio-Rings

Some people use purigen to keep their tank water clean and clear, but I've found using polyster fiberfill keeps the water clear, and is generally cheaper...

Now as for co2, I recommend using either a rex griggs inline reactor, or a cerges reactor both will give you 100% co2 diffusion when installed correctly.

This is exactly what I do too a T.

I buy my fiber fill in bulk on amazon. Polyfil batting. It's dirt cheap.