1st time planted question

[Fender1958]

Set up:
5 Neons, 4 Red Minors, 4 corys, 2 balas, 1 stubborn old goldfish, haha
55 gal
Gravel
Fluval 405 with sponges, carbon, biomax, biomax, biostars
Aqueon T5 with 6500k and color max

I'm looking to add 4-5 low to mid plants and have heard that carbon/mechanical media is bad for plants. Also starting to see people here say that carbon isn't really needed. Any suggestions for media and layout in the canister to help with the health of my first planted would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I only use sponges and bio balls, stars or ceramic rings in mine. The other.stuff isnt needed imo. Saves you some money to buy some extra ferts