Shine

Going to jump in on this thread...

I'm new to fish-keeping, and I was given a 10 G tank and filter as a gift.... the filter is used, I have no idea what brand it is (nothing on it) but it is a HOB. Problem is that the water cascade that comes out is too strong... it knocks the poor fish sideways, or all the way to the gravel. What type would you reccomend that won't stress the poor things out? I leave it off a lot, and I realize that that defeats the purpose of having filtration.

Second: it has a carbon insert... is carbon good for filtration in a planted tank? Or does it take out the 'nutrients' that the plants need?

bruiser

I would say get an AC20.. I use them on my 10g`s and there just right.. plus with the flow control you can set how you'd like..

aquarist48

Hello Shine and Welcome to Fish Lore.

I have moved your post to create a thread of it's own so it doesn't hi jack another members thread. Too, to give you a proper Welcome to the Forum and to help you to get more responses.
I hope you enjoy the site.
Ken

Shine

Thanks for the welcome.

I did actually try to research different filters and types... but I don't really trust the manufacturers sites. It is in their best interests to convince you that their product is the best one out there...

With planted tanks are carbon filters good?

jersey

i dont think anyone has a problem with carbon in the filters with planted tanks but im sure someone will correct me if im wrong. im just assuming.

Shine

Yeah, I honestly have no idea. But I ran across someone on a fish site (no idea which one) that was convinced it must be removed.... so I thought I'd throw it out there for some actual experts

harpua2002

Totally agree. Aquaclears are great products.

I've heard both arguments and I'm not convinced either way. I don't use carbon in planted tanks just because I don't use carbon anyway. For most planted tank applications, I'd imagine it would be just fine.

Shine

So why don't you use carbon?

(oh and I picked up a AC20,set it up tonight...MUCH better! Of course this means the nitrite/nitrate cycle will have to re-adjust itself; but I suppose I can't have everything!)

harpua2002

It isn't necessary unless you're removing meds or tannins or something. I haven't used it much in several years, but there's nothing wrong with using it either.

Nutter

I don't use carbon in my planted tanks either. Both because it isn't needed & because it removes certain nutrients from the water. Carbon removes heavy metals so there goes your iron & your copper. I know of people who use it in thier planted tanks but I find without fail that they hardly ever replace it. That means it has long stopped absorbing anything & is performing no function of any kind. It's personal preference really but having tried both ways in various planted tanks I find I get consistently better results when I don't use carbon.