canister filter media

gdwb10101 · 04-28-2006, 02:13 PM

I just bought a canister filter with four trays. I was told that i could use bio-balls in one of the trays. Is this wise or should i stick with the carbon and filter floss only? If anyone has experience with certain canister filter media, please let me know.

Jarod

**Damon** · 04-28-2006, 03:32 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).

fishfingers · 04-28-2006, 05:49 PM

Out of the things you've mentioned the only one I'd use would be carbon. The best way to get the most filtration capacity out of your canister filter would be to cram it full of LR. And carbon is always good if you want to have crystal clear water.

gdwb10101 · 04-28-2006, 08:02 PM

i never heard of using live rock. Would that be better, or would the water move through too fast to have an effect?

04-28-2006, 02:13 PM	#1
gdwb10101 Newblit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Miami Age: 19 Posts: 251	canister filter media I just bought a canister filter with four trays. I was told that i could use bio-balls in one of the trays. Is this wise or should i stick with the carbon and filter floss only? If anyone has experience with certain canister filter media, please let me know. Jarod

04-28-2006, 03:32 PM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	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)

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04-28-2006, 05:49 PM	#3
fishfingers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Australia Age: 18 Posts: 129	Out of the things you've mentioned the only one I'd use would be carbon. The best way to get the most filtration capacity out of your canister filter would be to cram it full of LR. And carbon is always good if you want to have crystal clear water.

04-28-2006, 08:02 PM	#4
gdwb10101 Newblit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Miami Age: 19 Posts: 251	i never heard of using live rock. Would that be better, or would the water move through too fast to have an effect?

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