Dr. Tims one and only

[Tdiggy74]

I am in the process of trying to Cycle my tank with fish in it. Should I remove the carbon filter cartridges with my aqueon filters while using Dr. Tims?

Thank you

 

[Essjay]

Carbon does not interfere with cycling.

But as carbon is not needed full time, the best time to remove it permanently is before cycling finishes. Does the filter have anything besides the cartridges? Can the cartridges be replaced with sponge, any brand cut to fit?

The only uses for carbon are to remove medication after treatment has finished, and to remove the brown colour which leaches out of wood. Keep some in the cupboard, just in case, but not in the filter.

 

[Tdiggy74]

Carbon does not interfere with cycling.

But as carbon is not needed full time, the best time to remove it permanently is before cycling finishes. Does the filter have anything besides the cartridges? Can the cartridges be replaced with sponge, any brand cut to fit?

The only uses for carbon are to remove medication after treatment has finished, and to remove the brown colour which leaches out of wood. Keep some in the cupboard, just in case, but not in the filter.

I have three cartridges because I am using two filters. I removed two of the cartridges and left one in hoping that is might observe some of the ammonia.

 

[Oblio]

I would fill the space vacated by the carbon filters with sponge cut to fit.

 

[Tdiggy74]

I have some aquarium sponges, to fill the empty space should I cute them longer or wider?

 

[Essjay]

Cut the sponge to the same width and length as a cartridge, perhaps slightly larger, but it can be thicker. As long as it fits the space without leaving a gap for the water to sneak round the sponge rather than through it.

 

[Tdiggy74]

Cut the sponge to the same width and length as a cartridge, perhaps slightly larger, but it can be thicker. As long as it fits the space without leaving a gap for the water to sneak round the sponge rather than through it.

This is what I am currently using in my tank, should I continue to use it?

 

[Oblio]

This is what I am currently using in my tank, should I continue to use it?

Can you post pic of Filter body, interior if possible?

 

[Oblio]

Corey seems to have good advice

 

[Tdiggy74]

Can you post pic of Filter body, interior if possible?

 

[Oblio]

Pull the cartridge and cut a sponge as @Essjay suggested. If you leave room at the top you can add some cut poly batting (to polish the water) and a small bag of bio-rings. Just changing to a sponge that you can reuse for years will save you a ton of money. The poly batting is dirt cheap at Michaels or (shudders) Wal-Mart so you can dispose after each water change. You can find sponges for filter at LFS and cut to fit.