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received response to post saying filter media(Purigen) I was using was whacked for planted aquarium. Read stickies on this sub but still unclear what the best media option is.
I think most just use filter floss or the like as their filter media. I have the charcoal still in my cartridges since they are still the originals. I will probably just replace them with the floss when they deteriorate.
sponges in the bottom of the HOB/canister, and then some kind of porous media like the lava rock, ceramic rings, bio stars. optional on top would be the filter floss or 'micro' filter pad. do watch that fine filter material, as it clogs easily and will slow down a canister filter significantly.
There's something to be said for using plants as biofilters as well, but this is dependent on high plant mass and fast growth with moderate bioload. Under those conditions, I am of the opinion that biomedia is as unnecessary as carbon.