AQ 70 gallon filter, carbon with plants?!

[asymphony]

I've read that with planted tanks there's no need to use the carbon insert, since it takes away some of the nutrients from the water for the plants.

Just checking others' opinions!

 

[black hills tj]

As far as I know, activated carbon does not remove the nutrients that plants use. Activated carbon is best used to remove tannins and medications from water. From my experience, activated carbon will only last for 3-4 weeks, after that it simply becomes more surface area for bacteria to grow on in your filter.

 

[asymphony]

Hmm, so then it would be useful for the setting up and cycling of a tank and then after everything is established, I won't need a new one, and just let the bacteria thrive?

It also reduces that "fishy" smell, no?

 

[SpeedEuphoria]

Many people dont use carbon, except for removing medications/tannins.ect.. like black hills mentioned

Other use it or purigen regularly:
Seachem. Purigen

I personally feel its not needed and dont use either