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Damon · 04-28-2006, 04:32 PM

Depends on your tank type........

Carbon is for removing chemicals out of the tank (trace elements, medications, etc...) Not really necessary in established tanks except for med removal. Chemical filtration.

Bio-balls give bacteria more places to colonize. A relatively new fad and again, not really necessary as bacteria will establish on just about every surface in the tank and filter. Biological filtration

Filter floss (or sponge). Mechanical filtration for a tank. Also serves as a home for bacteria.

Note: there are various carbons available on the market. 99.9% contain po4 (phosphate). Better quality carbons do not leach po4 back into the tank.

In my planted tanks, I use only filter floss (3 sizes).

04-28-2006, 04:32 PM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,972	Depends on your tank type........ Carbon is for removing chemicals out of the tank (trace elements, medications, etc...) Not really necessary in established tanks except for med removal. Chemical filtration. Bio-balls give bacteria more places to colonize. A relatively new fad and again, not really necessary as bacteria will establish on just about every surface in the tank and filter. Biological filtration Filter floss (or sponge). Mechanical filtration for a tank. Also serves as a home for bacteria. Note: there are various carbons available on the market. 99.9% contain po4 (phosphate). Better quality carbons do not leach po4 back into the tank. In my planted tanks, I use only filter floss (3 sizes). __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)