Replacing carbon with bio balls?

[layna]

So my current filter has two types of sponge layer and a compartment sort of like a little cage that is full of tiny bits of carbon.
I dont want to mess around having to constantly change the carbon bits in there, im pretty sure i can, but i just want confirmation that i can swap out the carbon and add some bio balls or ceramic rings instead?

I dont want to detriment my tank in doing so

 

[Chinadog]

The only time i use carbon is if i'm cycling a tank. after that i do as you say and swap it for normal media. i take it out because after a while the toxins start leaching out again if its not changed often enough.

 

[layna]

Ive been changing it every 2 months but after reading online it says its only really effective for 10-14 days then it stops working, so its pointless having it in there.

I think im going to go ahead and buy some fluval biomax and just replace the carbon then, thanks

 

[Possum63]

I don't have carbon in any of my filters and never have. I have heaps of bio balls, noodles, and the normal sponges/wool

 

[auntiejude]

My understanding is that carbon is optional in a filter, and would have to be removed for certain medical treatments anyway. So you should be fine.