carbon filtration with java moss

[2ndtimer]

Hello all... Wanted to find out about using carbon filtration in a tank that I will have planted with Java moss. Most info I can find says not to, but I wanted to find out if I could since Java is sopposedly undemanding. Anyone using carbon/amonia neutralizing filtration with Java moss?

 

[epiphysis]

You can by all means. Just have to replace it in a couple of weeks.

Its just more economical if you use the extra filter space with something like filterfloss. Its much cheaper and cleans the water a lot more. The benefits you get from carbon you get from doing a water change anyway.

I do keep a box of carbon spare for when I dose meds or give my fish the rooibos-tea treatment. But that seldomly happens.

 

[2ndtimer]

I was thinking that with the use of carbon/amonia filter and Java moss, I may be able to get away with water changes monthly...

 

[epiphysis]

In my opinion I would strongly advise against the use of products that remove amonia/nitrites/nitrates. They lose their effectiveness after a short time and that will play havoc with your internal biofiltration.

 

[2ndtimer]

Great advice... I will use the regular filter floss in place of the carbon pack and save the carbon to use as needed to remove meds. I will monitor closely to see if I can get away with water changes monthly. Thanks

 

[jetajockey]

Monthly water changes aren't my ideal routine, but plenty of people do them. And it's much easier to get away with it in a heavily planted tank since the plants consume the nitrates being produced. So as to what would help extend the periods between water changes, I'd look into more plants.

 

[2ndtimer]

I will be looking into more plants, but want to see how the Java moss behaves first.. Thanks for the great advice