filter questionnn

[fish_newbie]

how often should u change an active carbon filter

..once a month? ..if so do i have to keep the new filter in the tank for a while so bacteria can colonize it?

ok thanks!

 

[sunflower]

My set up says that my carbon pad should be changed once a month, nothing about it being soaked and I remember when I set up my tank origionally, the carbon was the only pad I didn't have to soak.

In other words, I dont think you have to soak it.

 

[totalbolshevik]

I change mine once a month. You don't have to soak them in tank water, since they are not intended to house bacteria colonies like the filter media itself. However, you have to rinse them out with clean water very well, to get most of the black dusty stuff out. If you don't, it will filter too much and end up pulling all the oxygen out of the water. That can kill your fish very quickly.

 

[gadazobe]

If you're going to run carbon in your filter then it must be changed every 4-6 weeks otherwise the toxins collected will leach back into the tank. Don't soak it, just change it.

Keep the filter in the tank so that the bacteria can colonize.

I have a question - are you using carbon just because the manufacturers told you to? Personally I don't use carbon unless the tank has been medicated and I need to remove the last traces of the medication.

 

[fish_newbie]

i bought a tank kit and it came with a filter that uses it

about the not soaking it ...the carbon is inside the filter cartridge so if i keep the filter in the tank its gonna soak. is that ok?

 

[gadazobe]

Yes that's ok - the water must pass through the carbon so that the impurities are trapped.

 

[fish_newbie]

if i got an HOB filter that doesnt use carbon would i still have to replace any filter media monthly? or just clean them.

 

[tstenback]

Depends on the filter. Some have a bio material that you dont touch and then other media that are up to you. The sponges just need cleaning whenever the flow decreases and do not have to be replaced unless they are badly damaged. I have an aquaclear filter on a 29 gal that has been running for over 4 years with the original sponge still intact. HTH

 

[fish_newbie]

wow thats amazing ..hmm maybe i'll think about getting a different filter. save me time and money anyone have any suggestions for a good 5g HOB filter?

thanks for all the great input and the fast replies