bio media question

[cyclops23]

alright, here's some background on what i want to do. i'm going to be setting up a 125g to keep freshwater barracuda or discus, not sure which i want to do yet. either way, i need a ton of filtration. i'm going to use my 55g tank as a planted sump, i already have 2 Emperor 400's, and i'm going to get an Aquaclear 110 to throw on there.
my question is, what's the best stuff to use for bio media in the filters and the sump? is Biomax good stuff? anybody use this?: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4169&ref=3969&cm_mmc=LiveAquaria_DFS_Links-_-Fish_Supplies-_-LiveAquaria_Gen_Page-_-Filter_Media&subref=AA&N=2004+113804

is there something i can get at home depot/walmart/menards that will work just as well for cheaper?

i figure i can change out half the total carbon each month,so it won't be such a shock to the system ie: change the carbon in 1 400 and some in the aquaclear one month, change the other half in the aquaclear and the other 400 the next month. do you think that would be ok? do i even really need to run that much carbon?

[cyclops23]

anybody?

what do you use for bio?

[mostlycichlids]

Biomax and ceramic cylindars have the most surface area for bacteria to colonize. I use both as well as the good ole sponges! I really dont use the carbon I just fill my filters up with Bio media and a little mechanical filtration and just rinse the mechanical stuff weekly. I have used the cell pore media for about two years...then I got sick of it clogging and went back to good ole sponges.

[cyclops23]

how often would i have to replace the Biomax?

[Mgamer20o0]

if its a planted sump plants are a very good bio filtration. most bio media only needs to be replaced when its braking down. i would be adding more sponges and floss to keep it clear.

[cyclops23]

thanks guys!

[Windy]

Don't throw the sponges away. Just rinse those out in tank water and put them back into the filter. The Biomax, i agree should only be replaced when they are breaking down.