Carbon, with a planted tank?

[Paintballer99]

I read somwhere and I believe that I shoulden't use carbon bags with a planted tank....If I am correct, what can I use in replace of it? More foam? (the C-160 has 3 layers of filtration, one being carbon...) The foam would fit in the carbons place That would mean 2 layers of foam filtration...Or any other ideas?

 

[customdrum]

if your using ferts then you dont need the carbon. i use dry ferts and havent used carbon in about 3 years, even in tanks without ferts or plants. the carbon dissloves or removes some of the ferts in the water column but not much. after 7 days the carbon is inactive anyway.
if your not using ferts you can use the carbon if wanted, i think its a waste of money and the filter companys are making a killing. you can use more filter pads or bio balls/ceramic cartridges in place of the carbon.


i have a fluval canister and use ceramic cartridges and foam and thats all

 

[bradlgt21]

I have a HOB filter that I replace the bag area with bio balls. Then I ususally cram a bunch of filter floss in there. The floss will remove the the stuff the regular filter will for a lot cheaper. If you want really clear water get yourself some micro filtration media. 100 micron is what I use and I switch it out and clean it once a week. Keeps the tank crazy clear, way clearer then carbon ever did.

 

[customdrum]

yeah i use the 100% polyfill in hang on back filters with a sponge and thats it. i tell people all the time to use the polyfill and stop throwing there money away with carbon filters at 2-4.00 each, some people are brainwashed by the filter companys lol

 

[Paintballer99]

Could I get that media at like a petsmart?

 

[Krilorn]

I wondered about this topic myself a few times. What do you do when the only media you can find for a particular filter is the premade filters with carbon? Should i just cram a big piece down in the hob?

 

[coach_z]

Could I get that media at like a petsmart?

craft store or kmart type place

I wondered about this topic myself a few times. What do you do when the only media you can find for a particular filter is the premade filters with carbon? Should i just cram a big piece down in the hob?

you can use an old pre-made one, rip it apart, cut ita bit, get some filter floss type material, 2 rubber bands and create your own. or, shove floss, sponge, and balls into your hob.

 

[jpappy789]

If carbon does remove any beneficial nutrients, the effects are minimal. I have yet to see any proof that it does and I've seen some nice planted tanks that use it..

 

[Paintballer99]

Really? Well, I have to decide if I'm goign to use foam or another layer of bio balls...Or maybe even just use the carbon bags..

 

[Paintballer99]

Well I think I'm going to go with another layer of foam, unless you guys think I should do something else....that should keep my water clear.