Filter media for Aquatech filter w/o carbon?

[maxthedog123]

I just shut off my not-so-Whisper 30/60 in favor of a Fluval 404. I still have an Aquatech 55 running w/ the Fluval.

Question: I am only running bio-media and sponges in my Fluval since it's a planted tank. I need to replace the media in the Aquatech - it is pretty old and clogged up (I got it from someone to use for cycling) but I dont' want to put the replacements with carbon in the filter.

What else have people used in a filter like an Aquatech for a planted tank? I think I have only seen the insert bags w/ carbon. Can you run just sponges? Should I add something else in front of the sponges for additional mechanical filtration (such as cutting the perfect fit stuff)?

What have other people used in an HOB if you don't want carbon?

 

[maronov]

I use filter floss in my HOB. It's cheap, and is great mechanical and (eventually) biological filtration.

 

[legendaryfrog]

Yep, I agree with using filter floss. There is no need to use carbon in most tanks.

 

[maxthedog123]

I haven't used filter floss since the "old days" when I had my first 10 gallon as a kid.

The Aquatech has sponges - I am assuming I should leave those in as biological filtration. How much floss - do you fill it up?