Reddit mentions of Fluval SPEC Carbon Filter Media - 3-Pack

Activated carbon does exactly this! I use it all the time I just got some made for aquariums, fits perfectly into a toilet paper roll

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-SPEC-Carbon-Filter-Media/dp/B0049RIUWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?adgrpid=55783712093&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq97uBRCwARIsADTziybDxU0r7vRbv0are90y91f_61GIlO-fPkfXHtJGDeOPuj-C-7M82M4aAhzMEALw_wcB&hvadid=274729994802&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9030527&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6766519590656913615&hvtargid=kwd-316792159183&hydadcr=14340_9785732&keywords=fluval+activated+carbon&qid=1574450491&sr=8-4

Jesus that's a long ass link

Wow, thanks for taking the time to provide an in depth answer!

Im currently looking at this Fluval Spec V; though I cant tell if its version 1 or 2 (im thinking its the newer model, since Amazon lets you know if there is a newer version available).

In regards to plants, I have a leaf hammock and a plastic log, and I will be adding more (silk), but wont be ordering from amazon; im also looking to add driftwood and some live plants.

As far as live plants go, I think I understood that its better to cycle without them, as they could alter the process as they feed on ¿nitrate?. So I would add them later on. What do you think?

Id rather go with Seachem Stability, just because of the ease of measurring.

Ive since added Fluval Spec Carbon Filter replacement and Fluval Spec Bio Max.

Read on several websites that the current could be too strong for a betta, and the sponge cover seemed like an easy fix.

For substrate, I will most likely get gravel.; would love to have sand (too hard to care for as a begginer?) or ADA Africana (weight/cost).

Will check at my LFS for quality substrate, but have low expectations.

As for stock, I would like to add shrimp (ghost and/or RCS) but once my tank is established and settled. In reality, I would love to have Khukli Loaches (3) but general consensus is that a 5g is way too small.

Ill be looking into other bottom feeders (fish), but it doesnt seem I will be able to add them to a 5g.

Hows your setup, what do you have?

Okay here is a list of supplies off amazon:

Test kit: API Freshwater Master Test Kit 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water master Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cEpvDb8R85Q1K
(should be found at the store, petsmart price matches from their online store and chewy.com)

Water conditioner: Seachem Prime Fresh and Saltwater Conditioner - Chemical Remover and Detoxifier 100 ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255PFI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_u-kKDbTMV2W8K
(at the store, may be in a different section - i found it near the crickets once for some reason)

Food: Northfin Food Betta Bits 1Mm... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4Q5DQ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
(online only unless youre lucky)

Gravel Siphon if you dont already have one: Aqueon Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner 5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RK40VY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ypGUDbPQWMG6J (You dont have to get this one ofc, but you should def have a gravel siphon, you can find one of these at the store)

Hikari Usa AHK73254 Prazipro for Aquarium, 4-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LOBGYA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VqGUDb6RFCYMX
(online only-
or you could try API general cure which is probably at the store for meds)

Biomax: Fluval SPEC Carbon Filter Media - 3-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049RIUWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xsGUDb7GSFX4H
(This is at the store too)

For what you have now you can (and should really tbh) still soak in tank water before feeding. Its hard to know how much to feed with flakes, ill always prefer pellets for fish but hmm.. Idk try like 3 medium pieces ? I really am not sure