I have the filter media mostly ready for the 55 gallon tank. The filter came with 2 Foam 20's and 2 Foam 30's in the bottom basket. I added a 2/3's liter of ceramic rings and 11 Bio-Chem Stars in the top basket. On the top I have the microfilter pad.
The only questions I have is the huge array of chemical filtration. The filter came with Bio-Chem Zorb but I don't know what it does or what effect it might have on a planted tank.
There is activated carbon. I ahve heard conflicting reports as to the need for this but I kinda like the water clarity. I've also heard conflicting reports as to whether or not it can hurt your plants.
There is also NitraZorb and PhosZorb, I'm thinking that these remove nutrients plants need?
There is a water softener pillow but I have 2 large pieces of malaysian driftwood, don't think I need this.
Finally there is Zeolite. If I culture bacteria properly, I don't think I will need this either.
SO, in conclusion the real questions are Bio-Chem Zorb and Activated Carbon. Can anyone share some experiences with these?
The only questions I have is the huge array of chemical filtration. The filter came with Bio-Chem Zorb but I don't know what it does or what effect it might have on a planted tank.
There is activated carbon. I ahve heard conflicting reports as to the need for this but I kinda like the water clarity. I've also heard conflicting reports as to whether or not it can hurt your plants.
There is also NitraZorb and PhosZorb, I'm thinking that these remove nutrients plants need?
There is a water softener pillow but I have 2 large pieces of malaysian driftwood, don't think I need this.
Finally there is Zeolite. If I culture bacteria properly, I don't think I will need this either.
SO, in conclusion the real questions are Bio-Chem Zorb and Activated Carbon. Can anyone share some experiences with these?