filter foam

[George]

Originally Posted by weyburnt

I'm really worried about it catching tiny critters that would otherwise just add to my ecosystem

That's the idea of a filter like aquaclear and foam pad. They trap small (or big) particles for later removal. That's why so important that you rinse the pad with tank water everytime you do water change.
I would look to invest in a good skimmer and ditch the aquaclear.

[weyburnt]

The tank will have a skimmer as well

[Nano]

if your running a skimmer then there is no real need on a small tank for a bunch of extra filtration, regular water changes are an option too. why not make the aquaclear into a refugium?

[weyburnt]

That is kinda were I was leaning too. I have the foam in right as I have just filled the tank and would like to polish the water, before I add any critters