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I have a HOB AquaClear 300 which came with one Foam insert, and one Activated Carbon insert. Also on the advise of the manual I went and got Ammo-Rid, which is supposed to "reduce some poisonous ammonia buildup in a newly established aquarium" My tanks has 2 lava ferns (and 5 fake plants that sooner then later will be replaced by live plants.)My tank is in my kitchen which can become smokey (depends on who's cooking ) and I see that the carbon is supposed to remove smoke and aerosol spray contamminants. So my question is when my tank is full of live plants will I need the carbon filter anymore?
Also I have started cycling my tank with 6 of the cutest platys, well actually 5 now, I lost one while I was at work. Does anyone think I should replace him or will 5 be ok? Oh ya and if I'm reading the FAQ right my ph is 7.5 and my temp is 75F I don't want my ammonia over 1.2
I tested my ammonia today and it read .25 ppm. Should I be doing a water change daily or every other day? So did I miss any questions Thanks again so much for everyones help. I have owned fish before but not for a few years also I owned a piranah for 5 1/2 years prior so I never really got into any other fish. Thanks again.

Well first of all welcome back to fish keeping!
I don't like using carbon and I think that it can remove nutricients that your plants will need. I only use it to remove medication after a treatment. I don't know if carbon will help you with the smoke, but using aerosol sprays near your aquarium is a very bad idea, carbon or not!
I couldn't tell if 5 platties are many because you haven't mentioned the size of your aquarium. I prefer using goldfish to establish a new aquarium since they are very hardy fish. I return them to my LFS after the tank has established and get new fish.
How long has your tank being in the process of cycling? Water changes depend on the levels of ammonia while cycling. You need to control these levels until bacteria have established that will take care of it. Depending on the size of the aquarium (as mentioned above) and the number of fish ammonia will rise. Have in mind that if your tank is small ammonia can go sky rocket before you know it, especially while cycling

I'm sorry My tank is a 75 gallon, and I'm on my third day of cycling. Oh ya and I'm not using aerosol sprays in my kitchen but I use them in my house near the kitchen. So I don't know, should I just put another foam insert in the carbon's place? And if water changes depend on the level of ammonia how do I know how often to change it. Would 0.25ppm need a water change, or should I wait for the next day? Thanks again