Filter Media In A 10g Planted Tank

[jesseoneill]

Just a quick question:

I have an Aquaclear Mini filter on my 10g planted tank. The only filter media I'm currently using is a sponge. I'd like to add a second sponge so that I can keep one "dirty" (rinse it only every month or more) for anaerobic bacteria and one "clean" (rinse it during the weekly water change) for aerobic bacteria. My question, though, is what should be the order of the two sponges? Which should be on top and which on the bottom?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Themuleous]

I think you'll have trouble getting anaerobic condition in a filter due to the flow rate. Wet/dry and trickle filters achieve it by having a very low flow, which keeps oxygen levels low. Having said that the ceramic disk media things are supposed to be anaerobic in the inside, but cant say I've tried it.

BTW why do you want anaerobe bacteria anyway? If you're thinking what I think you're thinking S)) then you need to read the pinned estimative index article, you'll find it a revelation

Sam

 

[jesseoneill]

Whoa! It is a revelation!

...you will find overall that the nitrate will deplete the quickest and you will need to keep an eye on this particularily in the beginning.

Nitrates and phosphates are no longer the enemy of the planted tank.

Wow...I think I'll look into this some more! Thanks for the heads up.