Filter Media for 20gallon overflow tank

[Jay007]

Hello - I am currently running a 20 gallon with a dual overflow and am wondering what I should include in the filter basket. Currently have a mechanical filter sock with some chemiblue on one side. Then on the other side have cotton balls & activated carbon pouches. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

J

 

[lapin]

Howdy
Sounds like a good start.
How far along is the tank?
Are you testing yet, if so what?

 

[Jay007]

Tank is about 7 weeks old - believe it has completed the beginning cycle (have green algae & diatoms retreated).
Test results:
pH 8.1-8.2
NH3/NH4 0.2 reading
Alkalinity KH 14.5
Salinity 35ppm

I did a large (35%) water change last night, will test again tonight. I noticed the alkalinity was high so I used distilled water to mix my salt for the water change. Hoping that will lower the value. @lapin

J

 

[lapin]

What salt are you using?
14.5 is very high

 

[Jay007]

What salt are you using?
14.5 is very high

Red Sea coral pro salt. Tank was originally set up using tap water with primer. Using distilled from now on since RO isn’t really an option with the faucets in my apartment

 

[lapin]

if I was you I would switch to the Red Sea blue bucket salt. Lower Alk = more forgiving. Until you have a lot of coral and they are using a lot of alk there is no reason to have such high alk.