I've been reading some other forums and finding that allot of people don't use active carbon in their filters. I'm confused. Is this ok? What would you use instead to get rid of toxins and the like. I havn't been able to get an answer out of anyone. Any suggestions??????????

Just Me

[Bob]

Carbon is not needed unless you have a specific reason to do so.
To remove toxins or after a round of medications.
Also to clear water up generally-clarity.

Bob
Administrator
Petswarehouse.com

So I could safely use all Bio-medias in my fluval canister filter? I also have a question about how often if at all do you need to replace the Bio-media. I had the impression that you did not need to ever seeing how it is a living thing and replenishes itself. Is that right or do I need to learn more on this subject.

Just Me

[Frank M. Greco]

That carbon should not be used in a planted tank is one of the biggest myths in the aquarium hobby. Another example of al ittle knowledge being a dangerous thing.T he rational behind not using it is that it will remove nutrients essential to plant growth. This is only partly true. Carbon will remove some metals from the water, but will not touch ammonia (and by extention, nitrite and nitrate) at the pH range found in our tanks. Also, WHAT carbon removes depends upon its initial concentration in the water. Metals, being found in trace or minor amounts, will hardly be removed compared to other organics in the water (found in higher concentration). Carbon is perhaps one of the best chemical filtratns you can use in an aquarium, and I highly advise it's use whether or not your tank has live plants in it. To use it only "when needed" just exposes your fish to a stressful environment (the pollution level goes up, stressing the fish, and then carbon is added to remove the toxins, which also stresses the fish).

BTW, I use carbon in my 150 gallon planted tank, and the plants are growing just fine.

As to biomedia, it's never changed.

Frank M. Greco
Professional Aquarist
http://www.frankmgreco.com
http://www.franksaquarium.com