Filter media question

hike13

Hello Gorgeous
Aug 23, 2005
90
0
6
SF, CA
Ok, bear with me a moment. I currently have a 10 gallon tank with an aquaclear 20. I have the foam filter as well as the carbon and the biomax. Do I need all three or can I ditch the bulky carbon insert?? The carbon I have (which is for the aqua clear 20) seems so big. It seems a good number of people here at AC don't even use the carbon. Is it needed??
 
well, I wouldn't worry about using carbon unless the tank stinks or you're trying to remove meds. Just take it out. The only reason that I use carbon is b/c both of my tanks have filters with the disposable floss/ carbon cartridge thingies. I'm fixing to try to modify mine so that I don't have to use those anymore.
 
Thanks for the info. I guess I'll ditch the carbon and go with the foam and Bio max.
 
i only use carbon to remove meds, or to remove smell, it also does a good job clearing the water if it seems to get a little dirty. the effects of carbon only last about two weeks though! ..after that you need to change or remove or you run the risk of everything leaching back in the water, i use sponges and they are great, just rinse (in tank water)and reuse!
 
judgemax said:
i use sponges and they are great, just rinse (in tank water)and reuse!

In regards to this I just put my sponge into my tank water that I just removed
and squeze it a few times to get the junk out. I'm not squezing out to much bacteria am I?
 
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