Filter floss & Carbon

[lizard]

I'm going to put in an order to Doctors Foster & Smith. I'm considering getting carbon and filter floss. Then I thought that maybe if I had one then the other wasn't necessary. Should I have both, or is one or the other okay? I have a 10 gallon aquarium and a five gallon aquarium, both of which have Whisper filters in them.

Thanks!
Pamela
aka Lizard

 

[Debo]

Hi,
I have always liked using carbon, although it is not necessary except to remove medications. The carbon makes your water sparkle. The floss is a must for trapping residue. The combination of the two works well together in my estimation. The floss traps all the dirt and then the carbon cleans the water and removes odors. Everyone has their own thoughts on this application. Best to do what you think is best........or do what I did.....EXPERIMENT!!
Good Luck,
deb

 

[bgraber]

Yeah I think I'm gonna try the spnge and some filter floss in my AquaClear Mini since the dog Ate the carbon insert.. Had it out because I was medicating! Carbon everywhere on our White carpet! ugh! At least that are of the carpet will smell fresh for a long time eh?

 

[gadazobe]

As Debo said, carbon is not necessary - it's a matter of personal choice. Just remember that if you do use carbon, you must change it regularly every few weeks otherwise it will leach poisons back into the water and it will do more harm than good.

 

[smb]

IME, when I used to use carbon it never made my tanks sparkle like filter floss does.

Like mentioned, try them both seperately and see which you like better.

 

[yhbae]

Pardon for my ignorance - what is a "filter floss"? I always thought it was the sponge media but I guess not...

 

[smb]

Pardon for my ignorance - what is a "filter floss"? I always thought it was the sponge media but I guess not...

Not sure exactly how to describe it. I would liken it more to cotton than a sponge.

Hopefully someone else can do a better job of explaining it. It won't be hard to top that explanation.