Inserts for the aquaclear 110

[lilcam]

Ok ... there are three inserts that go inside this filter. I went to my LFS and found three different inserts for the middle layer. I usually use the Ammonia Remover but I'm wondering about the two other options. I currently have the Active Carbon since I couldnt find the ammonia remover last time I went to the store.

Zero Carb
Active Carbon

Which is better?

Also, with the top layer, Bio-Max, how many people buy the larger boxes that come with these carbon stuff and just use a bag for the top layer? I think it's cheaper.

 

[supapoopa]

personally, I would just run a extra sponge and save some money without the Carbon. Unless you have hazy, smelly, yellow water or removing some medication from the water column.

What kind of tank setup do you have?

 

[lilcam]

55g with 6 mixture of cichlids.
I read on another forum that someone used filter floss for the middle layer.

 

[supapoopa]

55g with 6 mixture of cichlids.
I read on another forum that someone used filter floss for the middle layer.

That would also work as a form of polishing the water instead of carbon.

 

[revfred]

The way I've set up AquaClears for others and myself is bottom layer; sponge, middle layer: biomax, top layer: ordinary filter wool. I don't use carbon unless I have to remove medication. The biomax and sponge I rinse in dechlored water to preserve the bacterial colonies as well as to clean out the crud. The filter wool, I can discard and replace (because it's cheap) and I get nice clear water that way.

 

[lilcam]

The way I've set up AquaClears for others and myself is bottom layer; sponge, middle layer: biomax, top layer: ordinary filter wool. I don't use carbon unless I have to remove medication. The biomax and sponge I rinse in dechlored water to preserve the bacterial colonies as well as to clean out the crud. The filter wool, I can discard and replace (because it's cheap) and I get nice clear water that way.

I've seen some filter floss in my LFS but wasnt sure what it's for. Now that I know I can get rid of the carbon, how much of this "wool" should I put in?
How thick? Don't I have to rip it since they sell it in a "stack?"

Also, to remove medication, when should I use the carbon? So for example, I have to do the salt treatment, put the carbon in after the time period when I'm supposed to use the salt AND NOT when I'm using the salt treatment.

 

[supapoopa]

Just grab a wad make a layer of it on top. Use as much as you want, just make sure to check it because it traps a lot of debri and can clog quickly (1-2 weeks) in a dirty tank.


Just think of carbon as something that will basicly strip your water of most everything (minerals, trace elements, liquid/tablet meds, buffering agents).

I'm not sure about aquarium salt. I was actually told once that putting carbon in a strong solution of aquarium salt actually 'reenergized' it and could be reused. Anyone have any input on the exact science behind that if its true?

 

[lilcam]

Hmmmmm ... some people use two sponges so I'll look into that if the filter does a messier job of trapping debris.

 

[supapoopa]

Hmmmmm ... some people use two sponges so I'll look into that if the filter does a messier job of trapping debris.

Some people also use 3 sponges.


They just rotate the sponges (cleaning the bottom, place on top) so they don't loose very much of the good bacteria. Although 3 is not necessary if you already run bio-max media in the filter. Just make sure not to run it under tap water or let it dry out.