[jsm11482]

Hi, I just bought a bunch of new stuff from the lfs, including a new Eheim canister filter. It came full of filter media, including a black carbon pad. I read that carbon should not be used except in certain cirumstances, can someone clue me in? :dunno: Thanks!

 

[crazie.eddie]

Which Eheim filter do you have?

I have the Pro II 2128, Ecco 2234, and Ecco 2236. You are supposed to put the blue coarse pad on the bottom tray, then ehfisubrate or ehfisubstrate pro over, also on the middle, and part of the top tray. Leave about an 1" or on the top tray and then put the white fine pad on the top.


The blue coarse pad traps large debris, the ehfisubtrate or ehfisubstrate pro allows for beneficial bacteria to grow on, the fine white pad traps the finer particles.

Another thing is nice to use is an inline heater. Hydor makes an inline heater, which connects to the output tubing of filter. Having an inline heater prevents fish from getting accidently getting heater burns and you don't see the equipment in the tank.

 

[Lupin]

Carbon is not necessary at the moment. It is used to remove tannins(but bogwoods will still continue leaching tannins for years anyway), meds, stains(often from the meds like Malachite Green) and smell(due to too much ammonia).

You'll find yourself replacing carbon every month or two if you use it unnecessarily.

 

[jsm11482]

Its an Eheim Classic 2213. I already bought the Eheim Jager heaters. I originally wanted inline but for w/e reason didn't end up getting them. Thanks Blue, I will leave the carbon pad out for now. As for the rest of the media, it came already in the canister so I should be all set. Thanks.

 

[Andrew]

Carbon pads remove chemicals from the water- chlorine for example. People use them after they have dosed their tank with medication.
If you use them in a new set up- be wise to remove them after 2 weeks or the chemicals they removed might be released back into the water. I dont use them, i dont use sponges i dont use trays either, chuck all of that away it has poor surface area, you want something like siporax a ceramicpourous media that has a far greater surface area for you to colonise bacteria on, this will increase the effect of your filter for your aquarium.