Filter For 36 Agl. Planted Tank

[BubbleBaby]

I'm looking for some advice on what filter that would be good for a planted tank. I haven't actually started to plant it,but I want a filter that can handle a planted tank for the future. My tank is 36 u.s. gallons and it had two hang on the back filters.....until the Whisper filter pooped out on me, the other one is a Penguin mini power filter (w/ bio wheel). Both of the filters use carbon and I've read that carbon isn't good for live plants.....what other filters don't use carbon? And any other advice......like what your favorite light, fertilizer, substrate,and easy beginner plant suggestions are and that you would like to help me out with. Any advice would be appreciated.....I'm hoping that someone will respond cuz I have never had a planted aquarium before....

Thanks
-Bubblebaby

 

[pippoodle]

just remove the carbon out the filters and replace with floss or sponge
carbon is no longer of any benefit to the tank after about 3 days anyway
so unless you're going to replce it every 3 days then get rid of it

it's good for clearing the tank after you've finished a course of meds or if you have excess tannings leaking into the tank but thats about it

 

[BubbleBaby]

just remove the carbon out the filters and replace with floss or sponge
carbon is no longer of any benefit to the tank after about 3 days anyway
so unless you're going to replce it every 3 days then get rid of it

it's good for clearing the tank after you've finished a course of meds or if you have excess tannings leaking into the tank but thats about it

Thanks for the advice! and... do you have a suggestion of a filter that would be good for my 36 gal. because I'm going to the LFS in the next couple of days.... I really need some help...I have no idea what filter I should get for a planted tank. Please, any advice would be helpful.

-Bubblebaby