chemical filtration

[knobigirl]

:help: I have another question that I can't seem to get clear answers on. When I purchased my filstar filter canister it came with a package of biochemsorb. The pet store told me to also add a package of activated charcoal which I have done. My question is - is the biochemsorb necessary? I'm due for a new pack but waiting on more information. Does either of these chemicals pull out necessary nutrients needed by the water? I do add trace elements weekly and I have to add magnesium twice a week and calcium daily, can't seem to get the levels where they need to be. I've even changed to a more expensive salt mixture in attempt to stop losing magnesium and calcium, or is this normal?

 

[jdm_ae86]

try not dosing for a month, just do regular(atleast weekly) water changes..and monitor how your levels are during that period.
unless you have a moderate to high bioload of corals/inverts, etc., you wont need to dose anything..

 

[cveverly]

Personally I would not use the biochemsorb. Carbon is fine but you need to change it often. Make sure you are cleaning the pre-filter in your canister. I suggest once a week.
What are you trying to filter out with the biochemsorb?

 

[knobigirl]

I don't have a clue what it's supposed to do. Fish store told me to use it but I'd rather lose it if not necessary. I do clean my filters weekly. Other fish store told me I need to keep my calcium at least 400 it I want corals, etc. I have one anenome and one star coral to date. Thank you for the replies. It all helps.