N00B Filter Question: Carbon And Media?

[cjeanean]

Hi, I'm completely new to the fish thing, and I have a question about filters. I've been reading some of the topics and stickies here, and I'm confused.
 
1. I have a Tetra carbon filter. Do I need something else (I believe the "something" would be media?) for the beneficial bacteria to build up on?
 
2. I used Tetra SafeStart (or some variation of that name) which claimed to contain bacteria for starting the tank. Does this mean I don't need to worry about cycling, as the bacteria needed was supposedly in the bottle and thus added to my tank when I started?
 
3. I got my set-up from a friend. There were three different types of filters: two large carbon filters and a bio-filter. I'm using one of the carbon filters, but I'm curious now as to the bio-filter. There were a number of coarse, black sponge-looking pads that came with the set-up. Are these the "media" I've been reading about? Do I need to use them behind the carbon filter?
 
I think that's it for now. Thanks, and I'm sorry if my questions have already been asked and I'm just too blonde right now to find the answers!
 
 

 

[Blondielovesfish]

I'll try to answer some of your questions:
 

Hi, I'm completely new to the fish thing, and I have a question about filters. I've been reading some of the topics and stickies here, and I'm confused.
 
1. I have a Tetra carbon filter. Do I need something else (I believe the "something" would be media?) for the beneficial bacteria to build up on? Yes I would recommend that you do, some ceramic rings or some sponge would be the best.
 
2. I used Tetra SafeStart (or some variation of that name) which claimed to contain bacteria for starting the tank. Does this mean I don't need to worry about cycling, as the bacteria needed was supposedly in the bottle and thus added to my tank when I started? 
There isn't very much proof of these working so yes, you would still need to cycle your tank, since you already have it, keep on adding it as it won't do any harm and may even work, but you still need to cycle.
 
3. I got my set-up from a friend. There were three different types of filters: two large carbon filters and a bio-filter. I'm using one of the carbon filters, but I'm curious now as to the bio-filter. There were a number of coarse, black sponge-looking pads that came with the set-up. Are these the "media" I've been reading about? Do I need to use them behind the carbon filter?
Yes that would be recommended.
 
I think that's it for now. Thanks, and I'm sorry if my questions have already been asked and I'm just too blonde right now to find the answers!

 
Hope this helps and if I've left anything out then someone else feel free to correct me

 

[TwoTankAmin]

There is ample proof that some bacterial starters do work. Tetra's Safe Start is one that I would recommend as being effective. However, there is a bit more to it than just pouring it in and forgetting it.
 
The bacteria end up producing and living in a bio-film which attaches to hard surfaces. So this is part of the process, Moreover, the bacteria in the bottle will not be in uniform condition. Over time the bacteria will become more and more dormant which means it takes more time for them to revive and reproduce when added to a tank- so some bottles work faster than others.
 
Therefore, the best way to use it is as a big seeding for a new tank which should make it possible to take a week or so dosing ammonia once or twice to get it up to full strength. Without the bottled bacteria (or other bacterial seeding) it would take several weeks up to about 6 or so to do the same job.
 
Using it and adding fish at the same will work, but this can result in some low levels ammonia and nitrite appearing which might harm the fish.
 
Just like any other product, bacteria in a bottle can go bad or be killed of by improper handling along the way. There is no way to know when one gets a bottle if the bacteria in it are for sure alive because of this. Its not like a bad bottle of milk that one sip tells you its bad. So it is always safer to use the fishless route rather than the fish in route.