Newbie to canister filters

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T

Tworottz72

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2011
91
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Milford, ohio
Hello all, new to the site, been keeping fish for 6 years or so. Love reading the forums and looking at all the pictures.

I recently picked up a used 125 gallon tank, and came with a Cascade 1500 canister filter which I like alot. This is my first canister filter and am a little confused in which media to/or not to place in the filter. I had it set up (fishless cycling 125) with (5 baskets, bottom to top) course sponge, course sponge and polishing material, carbon, ceramic media, then bio balls. After some research it seems that the carbon is not needed so I replaced with more ceramic media. So, do I need the carbon or not? And can I have to much ceramic media? Tank has sand and few rock, not sure of stock yet, but I know I want one Oscar. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Carbon is not needed. I used to use it but haven't for several years. I think a normal gravel vac and water change routine will perform the same function as having carbon in the filter.

More ceramic media is good. I've used them in Magnum 350 canister filters before with success, never had ammonia or nitrite readings. I do believe that the more media you stuff in there will result in lower turnover ratio as the water will have to pass through a lot of stuff before it exits the canister. Too much media may make the filter look like its output is lower than it should be. So, you will need to find a happy medium between water output and amout of media used. If you get constant ZERO readings for ammonia and nitrite then you have enough ceramic media.

BTW: Welcome to MFK.
 
Carbon can be effective for removal of certain things but is certainly not necessary for normal operations. I use carbon every time I set up a new tank to absorb excess glue and any residue from setup. It can be great for pulling out meds and tannins as well. Beyond that, you really don't need it. It eventually loses it's adsorption abilities and becomes a bio filter. Old carbon can leech things back into your aquarium depending on the type.
 
Thanks for clearing that up for me, that is pretty much what I have read else where also. Ok so I ditched the carbon, and now my canister is set up like............

-top-
bio-balls
ceramic
ceramic
course sponge w/ floss on top
course sponge x2

I have also read that bio-balls aren't the best in a closed system, could I replace with more ceramic? Or some other media?
 
^ Yes you may
 
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