Filter Medium

[nostalgia]

Hello everyone!

Wish to ask, what do most people include as filter medium for planted tanks!

I want to go into planted tanks! Thanks for your replies in advance!

[benny]

I think most people here would prefer to use canister filters for their planted tanks, although Internal Overflow System will also work if managed properly.

As such, ceramic rings will be the standard option for mechanical filtration. For biological filtration, this will vary, depending on the plant density of your aquascape. Most brands of bio filtration media on the market are good enough as bioload in planted setup is usually a fraction of African Cichlid/Pleco tanks.

Perhaps, if you share your setup and your prefered filter, we can help you identify what might be suited specifically for it.

Cheers,

[nostalgia]

I'm using a canister filter. Have sponge, ceramic rings, zeolite and charcoal. Was using it for my discus. Sold them and wanting to do a simple planted. Not too sure what I should use in the canister.

[taz_boy]

i'm using normal filter wool, followed by bio-rings, followed by ceramic rings plus 1 packet of carbon..
perhaps that can fufill the mechanical+biological+ chemical filtration

[benny]

Zeolite have a saturation level and also, when salt is added, releases ammonia back into the water column. I would suggest replacing that with other Biological filtration medium.

Charcoal is good for removing medication in the water as well as humic acids that taint the color. However, once pass saturated, it's effectiveness is gone and MUST be replaced as it's toxic otherwise. It's also something that can be omitted in your planted setup unless you have just finish medicating.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,