Is my filter pad too dense?

[Elwood]

I have a Marineland 360 and am using the black Marineland pad for first stage mechanical. In the same basket, the next layer is a pad I bought from a LFS that also sells pond equipment. This is a bulk pad that is off white in color and very dense that is used for pond filtration. They also sell one that is more open celled.
I am wondering if the one I am using is too close celled for good water movement. The next layer in that basket is the typical blue on one side white on the other pad.

1st basket - black filter from Marineland, dense LFS filter for ponds, blue/white filter pad
2nd basket - Seachem Matrix
3rd basket - carbon
4th Basket - ceramic rings and Rena Stars, than another layer of blue/ white pads.

Thanks for any advice you give.
Should the carbon be the second stage?

 

[F1 VET]

Ok.

1st layer is mechanical filtration>foam pads, you need to have a 30pore sponge first, then a 20pore ontop of that!

2nd later is bio media, use plenty of ceramic material on this layer

3rd layer is chemical, carbon, zeolite, ammonia zorb etc, if u have enough media then dont use any of these!! Carbon is a waste of cash imo. And also its a good idea to use a polishing pad or filter floss at the very top but not necesary! Dont use all that foam on the top layer!! Only the bottom needs it, ull have better flow rate as well


Goodluck let me know

 

[Elwood]

I have carbon in the second layer. I will move it. I removed the dense pad and put another Marineland premade filter in on top of the first. I dont know how to check for pore size.
Are you saying to skip the chemical stage? I don't want the smell of a fish tank.
Thanks for responding.

 

[F1 VET]

If you have adequate benificial bacteria there wont be any smells and waste will break down, carbon does soak up chemicals, color and odor but many skilled hobbyist on this site dont touch carbon. Whatever works for u