From reading all this, I have a question concerning use of carbon filters. I think it seems obvious not to use carbon during the fishless cycle, since it will absorb the ammonia you wish to feed to your hungry bacteria colony... once it forms. So no carbon during cycling?
I was thinking of using a carbon filter to assist in keeping spikes in ammonia, nitrites, and even nitrates manageable (and I already have 4 carbon filters) after the fishless cycle completes, but am a tad worried that it could result in a potential loss of bacteria if the carbon filter is absorbing too much ammonia and nitrites. Should I wait to add carbon a few cycles after I stock, or need to worry? I know some here, may use carbon only when applying meds, but I don't see the problem in using a little carbon. Never know what good be in the water.
Think we are gonna need a bigger filter!