Carbon filters

[glolite]

Really sorry!!!! I bet you all get fed up with the same old questions but am I right in thinking you only use carbon filters when cycling a new tank or after meds? Does this mean that you have to put extra white (floss) filters in at other times or just the one.

 

[yvez9]

carbon clears up your water and will remove metals and so forth from your water. so afetr meds, it is used to clear up all medication as it will absorb it.

If you do not use carbon, it is a good idea to replace it with another media, like filter floss or an extra sponge to make room for bacteria to roam.

I don't use carbon myself as it absorbs Iron, which plants need to grow properly. I found this product by seachem called Purigen that clears up water too, without harming plants.

to remove medication however, i would add the carbon for a day or two

 

[glolite]

Thanks, that's really helpful.

 

[yvez9]

one other thing

carbon filter absorb the minerals from water so they are only useful for a few weeks anyway... however, if you leave it in forever, it will provide a nice place for bacteria to grow. floss is preferable though.

Many people here don't use carbon at all, only when necessary (cloudy water, to remove meds)

the Purigen thing lasts a lifetime too, i forgot to mention that

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Just use floss or the like and use carbon when cleaning up medicine from the water.

 

[gale]

The cartridges for my penguin have carbon in them. I put them in as is, and after a month or so I cut the fiber and dump out the carbon (not as easy as it sounds) then put the carbonless filter cartridge back in.

 

[Discomafia]

The cartridges for my penguin have carbon in them. I put them in as is, and after a month or so I cut the fiber and dump out the carbon (not as easy as it sounds) then put the carbonless filter cartridge back in.

The cartridges for the Penguin are same as those in the Aquatech/Regent, right? Because I am using Aquatech/Regent, and can I just just instead of putting the carbonless filter cartridge back in, fill it up with new carbon or floss. The carbon in the cartridge isn't a lot, so can I buy somemore and just fill it up and patch it back up again?

 

[gale]

From what I understand you don't need the carbon unless you need to clear up discolored water or medication. If you do refill them, don't forget to cut the fiber only at the top or else all of your carbon will work it's way out. Well some of it.

forgot to add-yes I think the penguin and regent are the same filters.

 

[Discomafia]

Yea, I did a bit of research and found that out. Won't use carbon as I have a planted tank, but I was wondering if I could use floss or other media as well.

 

[ioNightShade]

but I was wondering if I could use floss or other media as well.

Yes you can.

JT

 

[Discomafia]

Yea I thought so, just wanted to make sure... Thanks!