carbon filters

Question
Hey Steph! I have a 55 gallon tank with Swordtails, two Corrie Cats and a huge alge eater. I saw these carbon inserts for the under gravel filter outlets and bought four. What does the carbon do and should I have bought them? I use well water and the fish seems fine with it. The tank is very clear after one day from adding water. Also, how often do you recomend gravel vacuming. Thanks, TP

Answer
Hello,

Carbon is very helpful in filters because it helps get rid of toxins in the water such as nitrites and ammonia. Well water is wonderful because it doesn't have any chlorine in it, but just from having fish live in it, it can have nitrite and ammonia the same as any fish tank.

I recommend that you vacuum your gravel every week, along with the weekly 10% water change. The water you suck up through the gravel vacuum can be disposed (its great for watering plants) and then you can add your clean water.

I hope this helps.

Good-luck,
From Stephanie