Charcoal?

[Alan m]

Charcoal yes or no? Why or why not?

asking because my filter (canister) came with it..should I continue to use it? Why? Or should I replace the space with a sponge filter? 

[sudofish]

 I use sponge filters on the bottom then some media called biohome ultimate for the rest of the trays. Works good imo. I threw away the carbon that came with my canister. I have plants and use ferts so carbon would just be a problem in that it would suck up the nutrients I want my plants to have.

[Alan m]

Perfect..this is what I’m looking for.

[lefty o]

carbon is generally used when you want to remove a chemical or impurity in the water. say you medicate the tank, and now want it out, use carbon. if you get a bunch of stuff in your tap water you dont want, carbon could be useful also. most of the time, a piece of sponge will do more for you with its additional bacteria growth. carbon is useful, but not all the time, and not in all instances.

[Expectorating_Aubergine]

It depends. Carbon, or charcoal, is a chemical sponge. It will remove just about anything from the water. Sounds good, unless you have plants. Then I will pull out the stuff your plants need to grow. So unless you have plants, go a head and use it. Just know that you're going to have to replace it with some regularity if you decide to keep it up.