nick1986 said:
Hi no I want to know what to put in the trays in the filter there are a number of options out there and wanted to know what would be best for the fish in the long run.
Great question.
I assume the filter works with the water starting in the bottom and slowing being moved UP through the media... meaning the bottom tray gets the water first, followed by the middle and then the top.
Bottom tray is best as a coarse sponge, something that will capture large bits of debris. The second level is best with some sort of bio-balls or ceramic media that will allow water to flow through quickly, while also giving a great home to the bacteria. And finally, the last section is best as some sort of filter floss or polisher to remove small particles before it heads back into the tank.
Carbon... there's no need to have carbon in the filter ALL the time. It has a limited effectiveness in terms of time. You'd have to replace it every 2-6 weeks, depending on a variety of variables. Its best saved for when you NEED it, like when you are trying to remove old meds from a tank. In that case, its easy enough to work out. You remove the TOP LAYER of filter floss and replace it with carbon for about a week... then after the week, throw away the carbon and replace the filter floss on top (or polishing sponge).
Ammonia remover... this is a waste of money. The bacteria colony is what you want to have to deal with this. They never 'get full' and always will deal with the ammonia more consistently than the chemical solutions. The ammonia remover stuff can only deal with so much ammonia, and you don't want it to spike when you aren't looking!!!
This solution will allow you to merely RINSE the media in the bottom 2 sections monthly or so. The top layer can be replaced as you see fit. Generally, I just rinse and squeeze these out in dechlorinated water until the sponges start to fall apart. The best part is that this can be thrown away whenever you wish with no concern for the bacteria, for the bottom two sections will house the majority of the bacteria (as the coarse sponges and the ceramics/bio-balls provide a better home for them).
/www.fluvalaquatics.com/uk/product/A222-206306-foam-filter-block/#.VmouTmbMXIU
