I asked this exact same question one time, I'll look for the thread in a second. But how I have my Eheim canister set up is (bottom to top, intake to outtake) is Seachemn Matrix, Coarse Sponge, more Seachem Matrix, Fine sponge, topped off with Purigen pouch.
For my Fluval 406, all I have is bio-balls and a sponge.
Since it's a shrimptank, and incase I needed to cycle a tank very quickly, I would have a TON of bioballs. I'm going to try setting up a new tank, adding bio-balls so the substrate is covered with it for a week and to see if my tank has been cycled.
I think the most important things for filters is carbon and bio-balls. The rest isn't necessary, imo.
I have the original bio media the filter came with in the bottom tray of my 306's, then the top 2 trays are filled with biomax (the kind for the aquaclear filters that comes in mesh bags), with a purigen pouch in the top basket (I have DW in my tank that is still leeching tannins).
When I need to set up a temp tank I just yank out a bag of biomax or two and that tank/filter is good to go.. if I have some spare I toss new ones in the filter to seed those for the next time I need an instantly cycled tank
All I have is biomax in my canister. No carbon as the tank is fully planted and the carbon draws away needed nutrients. Threw on a Filter-max III prefilter to the intake so the babies don't get sucked into my filter.
I never use carbon. I just don't like it. Couldn't place my finger on it, but it doesn't seem right in a fish tank.
I don't run a Fluval canister, but I run no carbon on any of my tanks. (And that's not to say I don't have it in case I need it for removing meds from the water)
I like loading canisters with bioballs, plastic pot scrubbers, or Seachem matrix. If I had money I'd do only Ehiem substratpro. IMO, cheapest and the biggest bang for its buck is plastic pot scrubbers. $1 for 6 is hard to beat.
Carbon is practically useless unless you're trying to take meds out of the water. If you're using it as a water polisher, do yourself a favor and pick up some purigen, you'll be amazed. Also, if carbon sits in the tank too long, it can start to leech out whatever it soaked in. And as someone mentioned already, it'll take in nutrients the plants can use. Purigen won't leech what it soaks up and you can recharge it instead of having to buy more. Purigen also polishes the water much better.
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