What to use in Filter

[CichlidKid]

There are so many different ways to do this, but basically, I have heard that it is better for your fish not to have carbon in the filter. I have also heard that is it better for you fish not to have ammonia pack in your filter.
So the question is... is my filter better when functioning with just a sponge and bio-rocks?
What should I have in there? I want to get this sorted out once and for all!

 

[marcos]

probably just preference there's some different beliefs as to using carbon and ammonia packs I just use a synthetic absorbent like puregen just to be safe

 

[jsodwi]

In my wet dry I just use bio balls a prefilter pad and a sponge

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

What model filter do you have? In general, proper filtration concists of two stages: Mechanical and biological filtration. Carbon and adsorbent chips are chemical filtration, which is only a short-term solution. Water changes are far superior to the latter.

HarleyK

 

[rallysman]

Howdy,

What model filter do you have? In general, proper filtration concists of two stages: Mechanical and biological filtration. Carbon and adsorbent chips are chemical filtration, which is only a short-term solution. Water changes are far superior to the latter.

HarleyK

Bingo.

 

[Scottfree]

Use Cellpore media, it's the most efficient and porous bio-meida, it also helps with Nitrates...

 

[zekni]

My understanding is that carbon only stays active for a short period of time, afterward it's no better than any other kind of media for bacteria to colonize, in which case, it's not as cost effective.

Unless you're taking medication out of the water, carbon really isn't worthwhile. Anything carbon can remove from the water, so does water changes, which you should be performing anyway.

 

[skinless]

ive abandoned carbon thanks to the advice of MFK members. replaced it with extra bio in the fluval and mech in the emperors.

 

[loach43]

Yeah, I don't deal with carbon any more either. Not only is a short term deal, it can backfire if not changed at the right interval and re-release the "bad stuff" it took out of your tank back into it once it becomes inactive. Bad news for lazy space cadets like me.