mechanical filters?

[rosco]

If i regularly change the media in the filters, do mechanical filters still offset the balance of the water.

 

[bang guy]

I don't think they offset the balance of the water... whatever that means
I don't personally use mechanical filtration but there's nothing really wrong with it.

 

[i like fish]

Some say that mechanical filters raise nitrates. I used a canister filter for a while, if you clean it often you should be fine. They polish the water nicely, but also remove little critters that I wanted to stay in the tank.