[Fair-dinkum-aussie]

Hi all,

I’m setting up my waterbox PM 15 as a planted freshwater tank. It will be co2 injected with a fluval plant nano as my light. I plan to dry start the Monte Carlo.
Plant stock: (subject to change rough outline)
2x AR Mini
Monte Carlo carpet
2x S.repens
Christmas moss
Anubias
Still searching for background plant.

The WB 15 has a sump like filtration attached to the back and I just want some advice on filtration media. The stock box comes with filter sock, sponge, bio balls and carbon. I will most likely take the carbon out. However should I swap the bio balls out for something like seachem matrix?
Another other advice for starting a freshwater tank is welcomed.

 

[brendon-]

This is a debated topic, some people say a sponge is enough surface area to grow beneficial bacteria on. If you want to spoil your filter, seachem Matrix certainly has a lot of surface area. I use seachem’s and Eheim’s and I think they perform better than just a sponge or bio balls alone. A lot of beneficial bacteria can colonize your planted tank itself. Having a deep substrate along with things like crushed lava stone or pumice stone beneath it can also help make your tank part of the filtration.

 

[ichthyogeek]

I mean...if you want to you can? But I don't think you're going to be depriving yourself if you just stick with the bio balls and the sponge.

 

[Plinkploop]

After initial set up I've always just used sponges and floss in my tanks and it's never let me down, but if you have the money it never hurts to experiment.