Filtration

**FishyPastor** · 04-02-2010, 03:27 PM

I recently place a sponge filter in my 60 gallon tank. The filter is rated for 80 gallons. Its the hydro sponge 4 filter. Do I still need a second filter to provide the carbon? Its going to be a angelfish tank.

**rich311k** · 04-02-2010, 03:29 PM

There is no reason to run carbon. You may want a second filter just for redundancy and extra filtration.

**Z Fish Man** · 04-02-2010, 03:33 PM

I wouldn't go with carbon either but I think another filter would be good. I think some people target about twice the filtration rate as advertised on for the filters. (Ex: Put a filter rated for 20g tank in a 10g tank)

**FishyPastor** · 04-02-2010, 10:14 PM

So why do all the filter manufacturers use carbon? I can stick another sponge filter in the tank then.

**Zilla** · 04-02-2010, 10:25 PM

Because they make lots of money selling it.

Carbon is good for removing odors and meds. Other than that, it's just a waste of cash.

**Aeonflame** · 04-02-2010, 11:07 PM

Most aquarists will tell you the same thing. Carbon is of no real use except for certain circumstances. Ive only used it to remove any residial meds that may have remained after treatment. Also, it becomes saturated and useless rather quickly, then starts leaching whatever its absorbed back into the water. Sponge filters can be pretty effective when used in the right setup. Are you running it with an airstone?