What are the best filter medias for a planted tank?

So I just got my Aquaclear 30, and I'm currently jumpstarting the tank some of the filter media from my old filter which has already established bacteria on it. Once it's done cycling there any medias I should get rid of or get more of one, meaning mechanical, chemical, and biological. So, is there any medias I should change in the basket?

 

Skipping carbon and doubling up on the foam and ceramic is probably the most common media setup. It's what I do in my Aquaclears.

 

Skipping carbon and doubling up on the foam and ceramic is probably the most common media setup. It's what I do in my Aquaclears.

Okay thanks!

 

Skipping carbon and doubling up on the foam and ceramic is probably the most common media setup. It's what I do in my Aquaclears.

This, carbon takes out nutrients and minerals your plants need.

 

This, carbon takes out nutrients and minerals your plants need.

Today I learned! Is there an adverse effect to the tank itself? I dose fert (thriveC) twice a week if that changes anything.

 

Today I learned! Is there an adverse effect to the tank itself? I dose fert (thriveC) twice a week if that changes anything.

There's actually quite a bit of debate about whether carbon negatively impacts fertilizers. I believe the kind of fertilizer is a factor but it's been a while since I researched it.

In any case, the reason I skip carbon is because it's not needed, plus it's expensive to replace every 3-4 weeks. Barring a specific need for it, like pulling medication out of the water after treatment, I don't use it in my tanks. I'd rather the media basket space be used for mechanical and biological media.

 

All my AC filters have the sponge on the bottom 2 layers of polyfill in the middle and the mesh bag of ceramic media it comes with on top... I also never use carbon... I don’t want it to take away anything from my plants as JenC said it may or may not but why risk it.

 

Sequoia , here is a link to a thread that will give you some suggestions

Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Filters and Filtration 385506

 

Long time reader, first time poster lol. Just wanted to thank everyone for their insight. I have an AC30 and I just received some Fluval bio rings 500g. They are a lot bigger than I realized esp for a smaller HOB AC30 media basket. So, I was wondering if this setup would be adequate for a 15 gallon (lightly planted and 5 black skirt tetras). I will leave the sponge first at the bottom, remove the carbon filter and then place as many bio rings that can fit in a media bag. I was able to fit a substantial amount of bio rings (500g) in the media basket but was wondering due to the size of the AC30, is that okay? I didn't want to use the original biomax pellets but just wanted to make sure one sponge and bio rings would be okay vs doubling up the sponges and using smaller media...thanks for your time!

 

For some reason, the consistency is all over the place regarding the BioMax from Fluval. The bulk 500g product appears to be a lot more porous versus the BioMax included in the Aquaclears and the Fluval canisters.

Since you already have the bulk 500g BioMax, try placing it in a media bag and drop it in the reservoir on top of the foam block. It should work well in your AC30.

 

For some reason, the consistency is all over the place regarding the BioMax from Fluval. The bulk 500g product appears to be a lot more porous versus the BioMax included in the Aquaclears and the Fluval canisters.

Since you already have the bulk 500g BioMax, try placing it in a media bag and drop it in the reservoir on top of the foam block. It should work well in your AC30.

Thanks for the response! I was just worried that the bio rings would be too large for the AC30 but I was able to fill a whole small top fin media bags worth of them and put them in right above the sponge block. I also added a pre-filter to the intake as well. I was also worried about it overflowing in the reservoir but the water is flowing perfectly normal. I was debating on getting smaller biomax before this, but it seems like this setup is fine.