Filter Media Question

[Renaldo]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but not new to aquariums. I just purchased a 55gal and a fluval 304. I am curious on how changing the filter media effects the tank. I need some suggestions on what type of media to put in the compartments and how it will effect the water. I have always used the side mounted filters in the past(the ones w/ the slide out filter w/ carbon inside)

Obviously I will put some starter fish in first.
I am planning on putting a variety of African cichlid's in the tank if it matters.

Thanks!

I posted this in hardware too but got no responses so I moved it here.

 

[Jen21]

From my experience, filter media can drastically change the chemistry of the tank. You want to use filter media that has beneficial bacteria in it, and try to use the same filter, if it gets dirty just rinse it out. It can really change the way your tank cycles.

 

[eudielynn]

Welcome to TFF! If you'll post in the Beginner's section I'm sure you'll find someone to answer your questions.

 

[keane]

Hi

I run a 304 on one of my tanks and a 203 on another. I use: -

Carbon for chemical filtration
Sponge for mechanical filtration
Bio Max for biological filtration.

If you are doing maintentance on the filter make sure you rinse the media in a bucket of tank water or dechlorinated water. DO NOT use tap water because the chlorine will kill off all the beneficial bacteria.

If you need to replace the media do so one at a time. i.e. remove and replace your carbon but leave the other two in situ. Let the filter run for a few weeks and then change and replace another media, again leaving the other two alone.

This way your filter will constantly maintain a healthy amount of bacteria.

Hope this answers your question.

steve