External Canister Filters?

[Carl]

I've decided to push the boat out and see if I can get a cheap second hand canister filter from the free ads in the next few weeks but I was wondering about this draw system allot of them use where you have mechanical filtration and then carbon and biological filtration... now I know that the activated carbon should probably be replaced every 4 weeks or so, so it doesen't leech harmful substances back into the tank however I'd rather not have the added expense of replacing this so I was wondering if I could remove this from the system? and just have extra filter sponges or thite biological things

Thanks in advance!

 

[carsona246]

Activated carbon is totally unnecessary for a regular tank, and you can definitely take it out. I took my carbon section out, and used the space for more mechanical filtration in my canister filter

 

[Jennewt]

I agree. Save yourself the money. I use sponges and disposable filter floss in my canister filters.