Filter Media Help

[richiestang_78]

What brand and type of carbon is the best for replacement. Ive used Marineland Black Diamond and it seems good but now I have a AC 50 Filter alonf with a Fluval canister on another tank and wanted to know what would be the best for both of them?

Also what should I replace my AC 50 Bio Max with(when the time comes), should I get there brand or someone elses?

[Fishyfanatic]

I use ceramic rings instead of carbon. Have you thought about switching to rings?

[severum mama]

You don't really need carbon. I don't use it unless I am removing meds. I'm with Fishy, just stick some ceramic rings in your Fluval. As far as I know, it doesn't matter what brand you choose. And don't replace your Biomax. It's not necessary.

[richiestang_78]

Well the fluval is set up to stock, lower basket, carbon, middle carbon and ceramic rings, top basket ceramic rings. I figured if you need to replace the rings you should replace the BioMax in my AC since they serve the same purpose. I like the keep the carbon just to be safe and help remove anything in the water. Anyway any more suggestions?

Also what is filter floss and is it worth using?

[severum mama]

As far as I know you don't need to replace the ceramic rings in your Fluval either. I don't.

[richiestang_78]

Alright I was jsut going by what the instructions said. I still do need to replace the carbon, i saw Marineland Blackdiamond Blend which has ammonia-neutralizing crystals, or would is it pointless and I would just be better off with plain carbon?

Saw a Black Diamond Carbon 3.65L for 12bucks, seems like a good deal.

[severum mama]

Well, here's my opinion on the Black Diamond blend.

If your tank has cycled, it's not necessary because the bacteria will take care of the ammonia for you. If your tank has not cycled, the Diamond blend will slow the process down. You'll be fine with just regular carbon.

[TomK2]

I took the carbon out of my fluval and added porous bio-media. I have four baskets downstream of the pre-filter sponge. The first one has the coarse mechanical ceramic noodles, the next has floss for fine mechanical, and the upper two baskets have the original fluval bio-rings plus added seachem porous bio-media. The seachem stuff was cheaper than the fluval or eheim biomedia. I see no need to use carbon.

However, if you do decide to use carbon, skip the ones with ammonia nuetralizers and such. you don't need them, your porous biomedia is a much better ammonia nuetralizer once it is colonized!

BTW. I also have a small aquaclear. No carbon in that either, just the sponge, some floss, and then porous ceramic noodles for bacterial colonization. So i guess I would recommend to replace the carbon with porous biomedia.

[kaz]

what media is the best in keeping your water nice and clear?

[richiestang_78]

Should I use that filter floss stuff between my sponge and carbon, or bewteen the carbon and the BioMax stuff? Also what brand of floss should I use or does it matter?

[rich311k]

I put it between the sponge and the bio rings. I bouight a bag of pillow stuffing at Walmart. It will last me forever, just be sure it has not been treated for mildew.

[TomK2]

Think of the floss as your fine mechanical filtration. put it right after your coarse mechanical filtration (ie: sponge). This way, whatever you have after than doesn't clogg up as fast. Carbon (if used) and porouse biomedia I would put after the floss.

[richiestang_78]

Alright, thanks very much, ill order some when i order the carbon.