canisterfilter tray- what to put in place of carbon

[ram_g0p]

Running a Fluval 206 canister and an Aqueon QuietFlow 30 HOB in my 25 gal. I am looking for suggestions for media to put in the tray that has actvd carbon now. Also, on the HOB I pulled the carbon out and put in filter floss recently. All this because, I have been reading how carbon is not that necessary and that it needs to be replaced every couple of weeks etc…
I am planning to clean my canister every 4 months (lazy!). Is that OK? What’s a good agreeable schedule? And what’s a good filter media alternative for the canister carbon tray that would last few months or more? I have purchased Purigen bag, but I haven’t used it yet. Other trays in the canister have ceramic rings and foam.
I had been replacing carbon in my HOB once a month. Any suggestions for the HOB – in addition to fliter floss?
To clarify, the canister was added recently less than 2 months ago…
BTW, I do PWC every week about 20%. My tank is moderately planted.
Thanks in advance.

 

[boadams87]

I keep floss in my canister as well. Stop wasting your money in carbon. Its useless unless you need to remove a medicine you've added.

 

[ram_g0p]

I bought PolyFil polyester quilt matting from Walmart. Is this similar to the floss you're referring to? I remember reading somewhere they're similar (if not same) material. I want stop using carbon too. I bought Purigen and I think I shouldn't have. Not a smart decision, done in haste. May be I could use it whenever there is ammonia spike etc (god forbid). Or when I'm on somewhat longer trip - as a precautionary measure. I've read Purigen may have adverse effect on plant nutrients and ever since I hesitate to use this stuff. Thanks for your advice.

 

[boadams87]

Its the same thing. If you ever add nutrients to the tank for your plants, the carbon will remove it. Before the plants will use it.

 

[ram_g0p]

How about Purigen? Will it remove nurients as well? I was told it's more selective, unlike carbon, and wouldn't remove ferts......