quick question on filter media

[Keeper]

I have 2 fully planted tanks. Both are using Aquaclear minis as filters. Should I be using only the white foam pads or should I also have in the Ammo bags or carbon bags. They are both established tanks!

 

[malkore]

no need for carbon or ammo-lock in an establish, planted tank.

remember carbon really only removes odors, and medications, and is only active for about a week.
it's also possible that carbon will remove certain trace nutrients your plants need.

what I do in all my aquaClear's, planted tank or not, is run 2 sponges, and no bags of anything.

 

[madasafish]

The ammo bags should only ever be used if you've gotten into a tough situation, and for some reason ammonia has shot up in your tank, as after using certain bacterial medications, or if you've only just discovered that a tank needs to be cycled!! Your biological filter should be able to deal with ammonia otherwise.

When I was cycling my first tank, I used the ammo-reducing media. It does help the fish you're using to cycle that tank, but I'd always recommend water changes instead now.

 

[Keeper]

sounds good...thanks for the info