Couple questions, Rocks and filters

[pokefan]

1.) I ordered my new AquaClear yesterday when it comes in can I just put my media from the current filter in there so I don't have to run both or do I still need to run both until it's got good growth? I believe the AC comes with the sponge, carbon and the ceramic bio media. After all the reading here I think I'll do w/o the carbon would you suggest getting AmmoChips, extra bio media, or just filter floss?

2.) Looking for more natural stuff to go in the tank for a planted natural look, It's hard to find driftwood for such a small tank and found a perfect piece of TX Holey Rock. Can that be used or do will that alter PH to much? If not what kind of rocks would you suggest I look for?

[emc7]

TX Holey Rock.

This will up the hardness like putting crushed coral in the filter. What kind of fish are keeping? Do they need soft water? Some people would recommend adding something like this to keep the pH up when you start using CO2.

I just put my media from the current filter in there so I don't have to run both or do I still need to run both until it's got good growth?

Either should work. If you don't need the old filter for another tank, go ahead and run them both, then you have a spare ready for the next time you set up a QT tank.

[pokefan]

No plans on CO2, I'm starting with a low tech planted tank for now. Current inhabitants are Gold barbs and Cory's.

Assuming QT is a quarantine tank. I don't have any plans for another tank right now. Not that I won't ever but definitely not anytime soon so I think it would be pointless. Plus it's only a 10g so 2 HOB filters on that small of a tank would be very distracting to me. I have no problems running both to get things set up in another filter but not for a long period of time.

So any other suggestion for rock types?

[emc7]

I use river rock because it is cheap and smooth. Slate is nicer looking but more $. If all the media from the old filter will fit in the new, just switch it. Otherwise run them both for several weeks.