Suggested filter media

[Fishdude]

I just set up a 50g with an Aquaclear 500 for filtration. The tank has been up and running for about 36 hours, and I just added four Cories to help start the cycle. It might not need much help because it does have some aged (from my other aquarium) water in it.

Anyway, I am using the foam, carbon, and ammonia remover in the filter. I also have a small powerhead (the basket style) that I was thinking of putting peat into. My question is, what do you use for filter media, and should I not be using the carbon? The guy at the LFS said they don't use carbon in their Discus tanks, just foam and peat. Would the peat be better served in the filter rather than the powerhead? Do I even need the peat at all? (pH of 7.2 - 7.4).

[April]

Hi. you dont need carbon unless your taking out meds. and not even the ammonia remover. what i use is two sponges in my 500 aquaclear.
so you have a sponge from another tank? if you add the sponges from another tank....your filter will be cycled pretty quick if you stock light. i just fill my tank with new water then the night before i get my new fish i take sponges from my other tanks. i have extras so i can borrow one from each.
doesnt sound like you need peat at all. discus can live at that ph . stable is best.
really the simpler you keep things the better. easier to maintain the stable parameters.

[Fishdude]

Thanks for the reply.

I think I'll leave the carbon and ammonia remover in the filter until the cycle is finished, and then I'll go with all foam. I can probably use the foam from my other tank to get the 50 going, too.

You should realize that ammonia remover in a cycling tank is counterproductive. You're adding ammonia via the fish population and then removing it with the ammonia remover. Sure, some will still get to the media but it will take longer to cycle. Then you're going to remove the carbon & amm/remover and add more foam. If I were you I'd remove the cories, fill the filter with 3 foam inserts and add enough ammonia to your tank to register 5ppm. Then add an Aquaclear media bag filled with gravel from your other tank to the tank. Add a live plant. Then do nothing. It will take about 14-20 days for your tank to cycle. You will see ammonia spike & drop, nitrite spike & drop and then nitrates. When you see nitrates do a 90% water change and add fish. By adding 4 cories you will create a biological population capable of handling the waste of 4 cories.

The addition of water from your other tank will do little. It might help seed the bacteria but that's about it. Nitrifying bacteria isn't free-floating. If it were then everyone who used a UV sterilizer would have no bacteria and their tanks would always have bacterial blooms.

If you have enough media to spare from your other tank just fill the AC500 and add fish the next day. No need to wait for anything to cycle.

Dave

[Fishdude]

Well, the other tank is only a 20... and if I take the media from that filter, I'm not going to have anything for that tank.

Makes sense to remove the ammonia remover for now... but what about after it is cycled? Replace it? What about the carbon?

Thanks

[ping]

Hi,

I use 2 sponges / foams for my aquaclear 300. As April said, you dont need the carbon. I have been told that carbon can be poison for the fish if you use them for too long. You need to get it replaced which i dont know how often.

When you need to wash the sponges / foams, take some water out of your tank and wash it with that water. Do not use tap water to wash as the chlorine will kill the bacteria. I am not an expert, just pasing through what i have been told ... :)