right filter media?

hey guys so i just want to check im using the right filter media. i have included a pic of my filter. it has 3 chambers the first i havnt put anything in and the last has the return pump in. the midddle has bio rock, and lots of different plastic goodies. should i have anything else in there?

 

Carbon and filter floss?

 

set order , mechanical , biological then lastly chemical (not needed).

water must first pass through sponge or filter floss, then go onto lava rock or bio balls or ceramic rings .

how's your water perameters?

 

from what iv read carbon (activated charcoal) is not good for planted tanks as it takes the nutients out of the water column. what exactly are bio-balls? and how do they work? the middle chamber isnt full yet so should i put more filter media, whatever i use, until it is?

i wouldnt know brads iv actually never tested them. so should i buy a big bag of floss to put in the first chamber? then some more of the square plastic thingys, or more bio rock?

 

the only things i have in my filter now is filter floss and ceramic rings,activated carbon is optional but it's only real use is to bind dangerous metals,make the water clear and to remove medication from your tank.

 

I can't see the pic clear but basically put:

1st filter floss or sponge
2nd ceramic rings or those plastic things you are referringto I think are bio balls or lava rock
3rd more filter floss in between the first 2 media that you choose

hope that helps

 

filter sponge and fliter floss

 

OK my 2c worth.

proper method
1. Something like sera filter floss(To prevent the larger bits like leaves from entering your Filter
2.Filter wool
3. Sponge to prevent pieces of filter wool from entering you filter
4.Ceramic rings or lava rock(Must have an inside and outside waterflow for the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.Ceramic rings is best for this)

 

I'm with slojo. Perfect set up idea offered by him!

 

and later uv

 

I am not so sure about UV in a tropical Aquarium Setup.Dont uv kill all bacteria?:wondering:

For an outside Koipond or Goldfish pond Yes,but not for an aquarium.

 

I've heard contradicting responses to this Slojo. You will recall when you came to my house a few weeks ago that I'm running a small UV on my tank. Been doing so for over 3 months... and nothing seriously wrong yet. (Granted it's WAY underrated for my tank... but it cleared up the green water algae within a week!)

 

ok so heres a line sketch of what media id put in and in what order. thoughts? we got uv in our koi pond but i dont think ill be putting it in my tank im trying to keep my setups as low tech as possible:bigsmile:. oh and just wana thank slojo for the java moss iv already added it to my tank and cant wait for it to grow in!! lol :bigsmile: