Fluval 205

[GRJ]

I was wondering if anyone has got the same filter as me, a fluval 205 external filter and what is the best order to place the media baskets? I currrently have the baskets set as this, bottom basket-carbon media, middle basket empty and top basket biological media. I have been advised to take the carbon media out as it could be disrupting the cycle. I am cycling very carefully with fish in and have had ammonia reading but no nitrite readings yet, its been 14 days and still no nitrite!!! Frustrating!!!! Help! Thanks GRJ

 

[dthoffsett]

I have a fluval 205. My baskets are bottom - empty, middle & top - bio-media. Unless you have used any meds, you really don't need carbon. I don't use it in any of my tanks.

 

[GRJ]

Yeah, i have been told to take the carbon out as it may be affecting my cycle, as its taking a while to kick in. The girl at the shop put the stuff in the baskets when i purchased the filter and said thats how it goes. She never said anything about the carbon only being used to get meds out of the water!!! Why do they have people who dont know that much about how stuff works? I mean, she never said that after a few weeks the carbon would leech things back into the water, including ammonia! I am glad i get decent advice from here! Thanks GRJ

 

[kewskills]

bottom and middle baskets bio media, top basket polishing pad.

take the carbon out if i was you, you really don't need it

 

[GRJ]

I have taken out the carbon media and replaced it with some donated gavel from Pets at Home who have kindly, without hesitation donated some to me!! They were very friendly and helpfull when i asked. So if there is anyone out there who wants to do the same, they were very accomodating. GRJ

 

[timmystood]

My Order:

Bottom - Filter Wool and Bio-Media
Middle - Filter Wool and Bio-Max
Top - Carbon and Phosphate Remover

 

[chishnfips]

I have taken out the carbon media and replaced it with some donated gavel from Pets at Home who have kindly, without hesitation donated some to me!! They were very friendly and helpfull when i asked. So if there is anyone out there who wants to do the same, they were very accomodating. GRJ

Makes a change

 

[AllenLeicester]

I have black carbon media in my fluval, But it cant hurt to have it in there can it?

 

[GRJ]

From what i have been told, you only need to use carbon media when you have used any meds to clear the water. I had some and put it in as the girl at my lfs put everything in the baskets when i purchased it, i didnt argue as they are supposed to know what they are doing! Since coming on here, i learnt you dont use it unless you have used meds. I have taken mine out now as after 4 weeks or so it can leech back what its taken out anyway, in my case it may be ammonia as i am cycling fish in, and that would be fatal to the fish i do have! Hope that helps, anyone else feel free to elaborate on that as i am a newbie and dont know all the in and outs of carbon. GRJ