Canister filter question

[TxSharker]

I have a fluval 304 and a marineland c220 that I run on my 75G tank. I have been buying the pre packaged charcoal and replacing it in the bag that it comes in. I recently bought a bottle of Pro-Carb Z at my LFS. I bought one of the little bags to pour it in but it was too long for the tray in the filter and I think alot of water is passing through the tray without going through the charcoal. The pellets are pretty big chunks almost the size of pea gravel. can you just pour this into the tray or does it have to be in the little bag?

Thanks for your help
TS

 

[carsona246]

Not sure how you have your c220 set up but I have the bottom and second to bottom tray filled with mechanical filtration. I guess if you had the charcoal inbetween mechanical filtration there would be no problem, otherwise the charcoal would have to be big enough to not slip through the slits like the bioballs. Honestly though I'd stop using charcoal unless you really think it helps, I've never been a big fan of chemical filtration and dont really feel the need for it

 

[Imabeast2125]

With the 404 I used to just fill the bag up to where I wanted it an folded the rest over the back of the bag. Then mashed it to fit the tray.

 

[Imabeast2125]

I would also be sure to put some mechanical filtration over the top and be sure to rinse the carbon very, very thoroughly. A lot of people on this forum I'm sure would recommend more bio media to carbon unless you are removing meds or tannins. Then there are better options there too. Like seachem purigen for example.

 

[Venom SS]

See fishbox for my 2 cents

 

[TxSharker]

thanks guys for your help
TS

 

[cichlidude]

You only need carbon/charcoal if you are removing medications from the water or trying to remove any odor from the water. If you are not having these issues, there is no need for any charcoal.