Chemical Filtration..is it really neccesary?

[JEAE21]

I went to pick up some chemical media for my aquaclear filter but the guy said instead of using up space for the chemical..get 2 biological media instead.
He was saying that after awhile, chemical media can actually release toxic stuff into the aquarium. Is it true?

 

[Pufferpunk]

He's partially right. No need for it unless you're removing toxins like medication, paint fumes, etc. from your water. It doesn't release them back though. In my AC filter, I use the sponge, a 1" layer of filter floss & BioMax on top.

 

[JEAE21]

Would you reccomend one for a turtle tank?
What's a AC, sorry new to this.. sponge, filter floss, biomax..thats mech, bio, bio filter media right? so you don't use chemical

 

[Pufferpunk]

AC=Aquaclear. No turtles don't need it either. The sponge is mechanical, rinced every 2 weeks. The floss is to "polish" the water crystal clear & is changed every 1-2 months or whenever it's so dirty, it slows doen the filtration, otherwise just rinsed. BioMax is biological.

 

[JEAE21]

so you're saying for the canister filters change all media every 2months? or just rinse every 2 months?

ok; i'll take out the chemical and put in biological filtration for its place.

 

[Pufferpunk]

I use canister filters for biological filtration on tanks over 40g. Otherwise, I use HOB filters. My canisters are only cleaned out every 4 months or so but if you're using it for mechanical filtration I suggest rinsing the material in there often, especially with something as dirty as a turtle. You'll still need to do huge water changes very often too.

When I kept them, I used a river tank set up. See the last 2 tanks in my sig for a pic.

 

[DeLgAdO]

I went to pick up some chemical media for my aquaclear filter but the guy said instead of using up space for the chemical..get 2 biological media instead.
He was saying that after awhile, chemical media can actually release toxic stuff into the aquarium. Is it true?

i dont even know anymore man, if its fact it should have evidence to back it up.

 

[Mystix212]

Chemical Filtration is typically Carbon. Which is used to remove tannins, medications, colours and smells.

You should only need it on occasions, like when thr above happens. IMO it just takes up space in the filters where precious Bio media could be placed.

Mech media should be cleaned 2 weeks, or whenever it gets dirty to prevent the filter from slowing down and burning out.

 

[DasArab]

Chemical Filtration is typically Carbon. Which is used to remove tannins, medications, colours and smells.

You should only need it on occasions, like when thr above happens. IMO it just takes up space in the filters where precious Bio media could be placed.

Agree'd. You know I cant remeber the last time I even used carbon in my filters.

 

[mercury904]

mine is just mechanical+biological filter+aged water