Misc questions

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

It's OK, I just started ordering from the US. Our dollar now makes it so close to a 1$:1$ ratio, so even with duties it's cheaper to order from the US.

[Hyrules]

Generally duties can be quite expensive depending on what you buy. I was looking at ordering a weather station from the united states and it was like 80$ of duties on 219.00$. Anyway i`m getting off topic. For lighting i was including it in my tank price at 300$ i should have both of them.

[Hyrules]

I was looking at some places about Ceramic rings. Do you use them instead of carbon filter or a combination of both ? Some say you replace the carbon filter for those other say to use both simultaniously... what is the best ?

[Fishyfanatic]

I use the rings instead of the carbon. Unless removing meds, carbon is not needed.

[rich311k]

It is up to you. I see no reason to use carbon. I use sponges and ceramic noodles. I think my water looks crystal clear. I have a carbon pad available just incase I need it to remove medicine or some other contaminate.

[Hyrules]

Ceramic ring it is ! thanks for the prompt answer.

[Lonewolfblue]

I use carbon only to remove meds, or if I get new driftwood, to remove tannins. Other than that, I only use ceramic rings and lava granules.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I only use carbon to remove meds. for Bio media, I replace the Biomax rings with Seachem Matrix.. I figure they're all the same, but matrix boasts it will reduce nitrate.

[Lonewolfblue]

Originally Posted by Wizzard~Of~Ozz

I only use carbon to remove meds. for Bio media, I replace the Biomax rings with Seachem Matrix.. I figure they're all the same, but matrix boasts it will reduce nitrate.

I always wondered about that. With using it, have you notices any significant changes in nitrate levels using it? Been thinking of trying it myself.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Ha, it would take a tree to drop my nitrates, If I'm lucky I can get them down to 10 by vacumming all the gravel, using purigen and changing 50% of the water..

Due for a bit of a gravel vac this weekend.. try to get some of that monsters poo up before it all dissolves.. (Pleco's are such a messy fish, esp. when they get over 1/4 the length of the tank...)

[Fishyfanatic]

I don't think there is actually a product that will reduce Nitrates successfully long term. Water changes are pretty much the only thing that does (besides plants).