Charcoal has only one use - to remove medication from the water. It does
nothing else, and is actually useless after a few days anyways. It's not
that it isn't recommended... it's just of no benefit except to remove meds
when needed.

It sounds like you have a Whisper filter. I have a small one in my small
Quarantine tank. I took the cartilage frame and cut out the middle, and
then stuffed it full of quilt batting. That is all I use as a filter.
Other people use sponges (from aquarium store, not household sponges, of
course). If you are regularly checking your water for ammonia, nitrites and
nitrates, then there is no need to use ammo blockers or anything else.
Perform your weekly water changes, and keep an eye on everything else and
you will be fine.

Tammy

"Lilly" wrote in message
...
I've read that charcoal isn't usually recommended for goldies. Does
anyone know why this is? I have one of those filters that attaches to
the back of the tank that has floss pockets with little pillows of
charcoal to put inside them. I've been using them, and have been
adding extra floss (I call it pillow stuffing), is there something
else besides charcoal, that I should put in there for optimum fish
health? Even though I do water changes religiously, should I use ammo
chips? Any ideas?
Thanks!
Lilly
Trees are the Earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heavens.
-Rabindranath Tagore-