When To Use Carbon In Filter?

[mike_nofx]

When do you use carbon in the filter?

I am purchasing a new tank soon, and i am reading the instructions on the site for it. It has a hood filter with 3 filter 'chambers'. It says the first 2 chambers have Ceramic noodles on the bottom, followed by black sponge on top of that, finally with a wool pad on top of that. But the last chamber, instead of having ceramic noodles on the bottom, has carbon. any reason for this? or is it better to just set up the tank and put ceramic noodles in all chambers and no carbon?

If anyone is interested Here is the instructions it has some useful info.

Thanks

 

[WILDER]

Only need to use carbon when removing meds from the tank.
Just fill the space with another sponge.

 

[mark.w.jones]

Only need to use carbon when removing meds from the tank.
Just fill the space with another sponge.

Agreed. My hood is very similar to yours and I have removed the carbon completely and fitted a similar sized sponge instead. Some people in other posts have said that carbon filters do a good job of helping to clear wood tanins from the water so use them for that is you're planning on having wood. Carbon is also dead good at removing liquid plant fertilizer so take it out if you plan on having real plants that you want to actually fertilise .