Hey guys... I have been trying to figure out the best filter setup within what I have at this time... I am running 2x H.O.T. magnum cans with 2 large bio wheels and a power head... As of now I have them filled with carbon and covered with the media sponge. Should I get the carbon out and fill them up with some sort of Bio media instead? Or just ditch the guts and use the water polisher inserts only?
My water is all good but I keep seeing everyone mention ditching the carbon.... Thanks guys! I would love to ditch the filters and switch to something like an FX5 but Im out of a job and its family first at this time....
-Nick

Whats the setup, tank size, fish number and size.

Well up until yesterday, I thought it was a 40 gallon but I did the tank calc. and its a 55 gallon.. I was running a single canister but added the second about a week ago to keep it cleaner longer..
I have a 5" red O and a 10-11" Jack D. I am working on a custom plexi 100 gallon right now that should be running in the next 2-3 months...

Carbon will not benefit you in the slightest when it comes to keeping your fish healthy. Its primary use is to remove impurities from the water, normally after medicating the tank. In fact, Carbon can actually cause more problems than good if it is left in the filtration for too long. Basically, it gets saturated with impurities and then starts leeching them back into the water.

I would concentrate on biological filtration, after all this is what will keep your tank clear from toxins. Of course keep you mechanical filtration because this will remove solid waste, but it is not as important as bio filtration

hi dude i can only tell you what i run with out any probs always good quality water 2 canisters both tray types each a combo of ceramic rings bio balle and sponge pds i read here about the carbon bags so i took them out i always get good water readings and to be honest im not that regemented with water changes just my opinion!!!

x2 carbon works in small aquarium with small fish but we change far to much water for the carbon to work to its best effect.

Will the canisters allow for bacteria growth inside of them? There is no oxygen inside afar from whats in the water..Ill go get some bio balls or something like them and fill er up! I just dont want to waste money on the media if the bio filter wont grow...

yep the ceramics and bio balls do work i wouldnt get the redings i get if they didnt you can get a bag of bio balls for about £6 defenatly worth a try mate