filter pad

[RedShark]

I habve this Pura Filtration Pad, it grabs stuff like solids, organics, ammonia phosphate, medications lead copper and silicates. I threw out the directions for use a long time ago. What way should the darker side of the pad face? Water or the filter? I hope some one out there knows whats im taking about.
Thers two sides to this pad, a grayish color, then a black side. Omg im gonna go nuts if i dont figure this out. My fish need it help please.

 

[RedShark]

Another question:

Ive had a regular filter pad in my newly set up tank for about a month and a half. I just took it out and was wondering if i have to replace it or if i can just rinse it off and use it for another month?

Is it ever necesarry to ever replace your filter pad?
Is there a method of cleaning it w/o losing the beneficial bacteria?

 

[Squishiebabe]

Dont change your filter pad, please!! On your next water change, just take the sponge and gently squeeze it in the bucket full of water (I use the net handle and poke, lol) until all the big debris is out. The put it back in, and it should be fine, the pads last for a very long time usually, and don't believe your fish shop if they tell you different. Trust me, if you either 1. Replace the pad totally or 2. Washed it out with tap water Your tank will go into a minicycle, possibly killing some of your fish, and causing havoc. This is because most of the bacteria lives in the filter pad, with some on the gravel/sand, and plant decor and walls.

 

[black_bull]

I have no idea what you are talking about as far as the filter pad goes, but could you ask the pet store about it? I'm sure if you asked someone at the store where you bought the filter/pad, they could tell you.

 

[RedShark]

I found the directions for the pura filtration pad. IT was in one of my junk drawers All i had to do was keep the lighter side facing the water flow. Phew.

Squishebabie lets see if i understand what your saying about my regular filter pad... When it comes time to wash it, just put it inside some water i just syphoned out b/c of water change and it will be fine to put back into slide of filter? How long can i do that for?

 

[modernhamlet]

I found the directions for the pura filtration pad. IT was in one of my junk drawers All i had to do was keep the lighter side facing the water flow. Phew.

Squishebabie lets see if i understand what your saying about my regular filter pad... When it comes time to wash it, just put it inside some water i just syphoned out b/c of water change and it will be fine to put back into slide of filter? How long can i do that for?

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Until the filter pad starts to physically fall apart. Well, maybe not quite that long, but you get the idea. When it really is time to change the cartridge, help get the new one started by cutting all the padding off the old filter cartridge and leaving it in with the new one for a week.

As has been said, but should be reiterated... always rinse your filter pad in old tank water, not under the tap.

To answer your original question, I don't imagine the black or grey sides care which end of the filter they look at.

Good luck!

 

[playfulalliecat]

You can do that for an indefinite period of time. Eventually yes, the sponge will wear out.

I keep seeing where people say not to change your filter pads because of throwing your tank into a cycle. In a well-established tank there is sufficient bacteria in the gravel. I don't use sponges! I use filter floss, just Poly-Fil, a 100% polyester batting for quilting and other crafts. As long as it hasn't been chemically-treated, and it tells you this on the bag, it is the same thing lfs will sell as filter floss. Every other week when I do my water change, I change the floss. On other weeks, I vaccuum the gravel. The floss seems to "polish" the water better than regular sponges!

I have also used the floss in conjunction with the sponges when using an Aquaclear Filter. Just place it on top over the sponges to make the water more clear and sparkling clean! Now we use a Fluval 404 and have no sponges to go with it, so just pack the area for them with floss.

Note: My tank has been running for about a year and a half with the gravel in it now. The filters have been changed in the past 4 months from two hob to the Fluval.

 

[Squishiebabe]

Yes, Redshark....well I just poke around till most of the big stuff is out, and i pick it up and plop it back in...Its true it takes a long time for them to wear out,.
As for playfullalliecat's way, I know this can work as well, and obviously has in that instance, but as said in a <Well Established> tank, not a new setup like yours, which probably doesn't have enough bacteria yet. (You did say new setup right? ) I suggest just squeezing it out in the old tank water as said, it really shouldn't be that dirty so soon anyway.(Lucky you, after awhile it gets iiiicky!)

 

[RedShark]

Thanks so much for all the help guys and gals . I would be fishless without you

Im not sure if i told you guys but i just recently(2 days ago) put in another marineland penguin external filter fro 50 g. Now i have about enough power to filter out 80 gallons
After rinsing the new 50 g filter pad out in old aqua water in iinstalled that bad boy to the back of my tank and had to turn down the water pressure because it was way too strong. Im so happy now that my fish look so strong and like they are having a fun time in my tank.
P.s. I had my tigey barbs and my shark try some cucumber, and they loved it. This one tiger barb who happens t be the smallest guy in there actually grabbed a peice about half the size of him and ate it whole. I was shocked, and thankful because now he gets a better chance to compete with the bigger barbs.

Love,
The guy who loves TFF.