Filter in planted tanks

[Patrice]

I am thinking of removing all my Bio-max and my cotton filter. Leaving only the sponge to remove the crap. I like my plants to have the ammonia instead of the Bacteria. Still, i thing the sponge has his own bacteria, and that will do.

 

[mohican]

My only concern is when u rinse the pad from debris, u could kill any bacteria that collected. I would recommend keeping something for biological, as it can even help seed the foam pad and help keep the tank stable. Just my thoughts.

 

[Patrice]

The foam are clean in declorefine water bucket. I gessing it keeps a good part of the bacteria?

 

[Ziggs180]

The Bacteria exists in the Gravel of the tank as well as the filter. Plants can also consume Nitrates, since plants just want the Nitrogen.

 

[mohican]

Maybe rinse with tank water to save as much bacteria. It is also in gravel, but the point of biological filter is too give it a place to colonize. U'd probably be ok tho.