Keep the carbon head off. It only restricts the water flow and provides
little if any useful filtration. You only need carbon to remove smells,
medications, or a coloration in the water. Buy a corner filter or small
power filter if you want to use carbon.

Undergravel filters work excellent if you keep the gravel free of excess
waste by vacuuming and doing regular weekly or bi-weekly 15-25% water
changes.

With live plants, keeping the gravel clean can be very difficult and another
filter type is recommended.

Jim


"JFF KRWD" wrote in message
ink.net...
Hi...

I have just installed my first undergravel filter. I have had many
exterior
filter units before and they have always had a carbon filter. I see that
the
undergravel filter has a way to have a tube with an air pump and carbon
filter head. My question is, do I really need the carbon filter... or am I
fine without it?

Detail info
. this is the only filter on the tank
. freshwater
. 29 gal
. 3 electric blues (2.5" each)
.tank has been stable for 3 years

Thank you,
Jeff