what media for planted tanks?

[kagentx]

the water in my tank aren't so clear, and i'm thinking now that it has something to do with my canister filter. I have 2 sponges in there and that's about it. I heard that carbon absorbs some nutrients plants need so i excluded them. Am i missing something? also i'm planning to put some crushed corals in there as u guys have mentioned =D. What can be causing this non clear water? high iron levels?

 

[TankGirl]

A bacterial bloom can cause cloudy water, as can a not-quite-cycled tank. Check ammonia and nitrite levels first. Carbon is not required, necessarily. I can't remember what size tank you have, or what size filter, but will assume your filtration is adequate.

In my canister I use some ceramic "noodles" as well as coarse and fine sponges.

 

[LAGlocker]

I know most people, if not all on this board, say dont use carbon in a planted tank. I do use carbon in my tanks, and I have to trim plants every week. I also dose fertz daily so maybe that makes up for what the carbon takes out, but Im not sure. Maybe I dont need the carbon and would be better off with out it, but I started using it before the plants, and will probably keep on using it. Least it does keep the water real clean.

 

[Allivymar]

What do you mean by not so clear? White cloudy? Green cloudy? Little bits floating in the water?