question about canister filter?

Boredomb

I have a Eheim 2213. With the way the filter is setup when you get it is okay to use it is for a planted tank? It comes with a basket that has media ( substrate pro ) fine filter pad course filter pad plus I think a carbon pad?

Boredomb

Okay after reading some more Carbon pads and media is bad. So How did I need to setup this filter to make it work right? Just add more pads?

DKRST

I think the answer is, it depends. I didn't use the carbon pad (2215), I set it up with everything else and added an additional blue pad to my canister. If you use the carbon pad when initially setting up the tank, I don't think it's a major problem if you remove it as specified. It will absorb some of the stuff you want in the tank for plants. I added a pre-filter that draws from the tank bottom. With plants, and their related debris, you'll probably want to set up some type of pre-filter for the intake or you'll be cleaning the canister more often.

Boredomb

Okay Soo u kept the media in the filter then? And what is a pre-filter?
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Boredomb

Okay sorry dumb question I found a pre-filter for it
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DKRST

If you want to max out plant growth, some say the "media" is bad in canisters, you should use the blue sponges instead. I don't buy it, the sponges have a lot of surface area also and they will act as biological media also. The problem is, if you lower your filtration, you have to lower the number of fish the tank has. What's the priority - fish or plants? Work from there for priorities. You can have plants and fish, and if the tank is not optimized for plants, plants will still grow (if basic needs are met), just a little less rapidly. Lots of info in the forum's "stickies". I highly recommend them! Lots of experts here (not including myself in the list of experts, I'm still learning!).

Boredomb

okay thanks for the info!

Mikaila31

Media is anything that goes in the filter and this includes sponges. I don't recommened any carbon or other chemical based medias. If you have any empty space in the filter add floss or any generic pads/sponges that are cheap. I don't quite see the need for a prefilter either. I've never used them before. It won't hurt to use one, but it adds more stuff that you see in the tank.

Boredomb

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Boredomb

Okay thanks alot was looking for a cheaper way to go and I didn't even know there was such a thing as filter floss will looking into that
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