Recommended filter medias

Hello, my name is Ruth and I am seeking advice regarding filter medias.
I’ve been keeping goldfish for one year and have been using sponge&HOB filter the entire time. My HOB comes with its custom media and I think they are pretty used up by now(??) The HOB used a cotton (finer than the one in stores) and (most likely) active carbon. I tried to replace it with new cottons and carbon but it’s not doing the job. So I bought a top filter and I’m wondering what’s the best medias I can use for it. Right now I’m using cotton and biorings.
Thank you in advance!!

 

Hi

The carbon only lasts about a month at most before it needs to be replaced. I don't include it in my filters unless I'm targeting the removal of impurities from the water.

The fine cotton isn't designed to last that long either. It's great media for catching the smallest particles in the water. I do find mine can last quite a while before it deteriorates though.

In your new filter I would add some sponge. Coarse or fine sponge is good for mechanical and biological filtration. Just rinse it out in old tank water when clogged

The bio rings are purely for biological filtration and I use whenever I can fit in a filter alongside porous lava rock E. C. T

 

Bio balls are good

 

IMO, the best filter media is Foam Sponges. No real need for anything else.

 

Never use carbon. It's just added to filters for sake of selling "chemical filtration". If you need to remove medications, then it comes in handy.

Just use anything inert. Everything has mechanical and biological workings.

To ensure your filter runs smoothly as long as possible, use a sponge or filter guard on the inlet of your filter, and change this with a backup every once in a while. The dirty one can be rinsed thoroughly to make it ready for your subsequent pre-filter change.

 

foam/sponge, polyfil, biomedia like BioMax, Matrix, Biohome

Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Aquarium Filter Forum | 385506

 

My Betta is being treated with antibiotics but I will need to use carbon to remove the medication at the end of the treatment. I removed my HOB filter and threw away most and then disinfected everything else. I dont use the filter media that I am suppose to. I bought reused media bags. I use a sponge, media rings in a reusable filter bag. Should I just buy a carbon insert or media to go into a reusable mesh bag? I need to lower my pH. Water changes and Indian Almond leaves have not brought it down. For my Betta Emergency bag, what all do I need?
On Amazon I have looked at some products and would like feedback.
I already use Seachem Prime to condition my tap water.

1) Seachem Pristine
2) Seachem Stablizer
3) API Stress Zyme Bacterial cleaner
4) API Stress Coat water conditioner
5) API Proper pH 7.0 powder