What type of media to use?

[soupa2]

I would only use regular matrix since its larger size pellets for pond matrix.. I don't use ammo-chip anymore since it doesn't allow ur bio load to maximiz it's load. So I would only allow more matrix... I have about 30-35L of matrix in my sump with 8 Landry bags to easy Clean them..

 

[xraycer]

Thanks guys for the info. I actually did the pothos 3 weeks ago and the plants are doing well. I had a big nitrate spike about a month ago, which is why I got the pothos. So in my AC 110, I have the media sponge, the ceramic bio rings and some mixture of carbon and ammo-chips. Should I use the pond matrix instead of the carbon then?

Get rid of the carbon ammo chips and fill the space with more ceramic rings. You can get ceramic rings off EBay for dirt cheap.....which is what I've been using in all my tanks for several years now.

 

[transnlne]

Looks like I have some things to try out, thanks for the help everyone.

 

[adr_93]

I have the same exact ac110 set up and notice some people don't use carbon, is it necessary? I just use whatever it came with and its been working great

 

[xraycer]

I have the same exact ac110 set up and notice some people don't use carbon, is it necessary? I just use whatever it came with and its been working great

A couple of decades ago, carbon was a standard. Nowadays, not so much. Carbon is good for temporary use, such as removing medicine. However, once the medicine is absorbed by the carbon, the carbon should be removed immediately to physocally the medicine from the system. Some people use to rid strong aquarium water smell. but aquariums that are maintained adequately should not have a strong, offensive smell to begin with. There also seems to be a negative health issue correlation between discus and the use of carbon. The majority of hobbyists, nowadays, no longer use carbon as a permanent filtration media.

 

[Gill Blue]

Pothos...It will change your life! Trust me I can go 2-3 months with no big water changes due to the plants will keep nitrates incredibly low! They're harmful to pets so keep that in mind!

just because you can get away with it doesn't mean it's the best choice for your fish. other toxins build up. try doing 80% to 90% water changes daily for two weeks. you'll see the difference in most fish. increased activity and brighter colors being the most noticeable.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

just because you can get away with it doesn't mean it's the best choice for your fish. other toxins build up. try doing 80% to 90% water changes daily for two weeks. you'll see the difference in most fish. increased activity and brighter colors being the most noticeable.

I think you misunderstood what I was saying the OP was very concerned about nitrates and was giving him advice for pothos. Obviously water changes are necessary I do mine weekly. I know I breed fish and all of them thrive in my tanks. I was merely saying pothos will help a lot for the nitrates.

When I said I can go 2-3 months without water changes I was talking about the levels of nitrates and ammonia. Obviously toxins build up and inhibitory enzymes for growth.

On some of my tanks I do daily water changes 70 percent so I know what you're talking about.