Hang on Filters

[PaintballFan07]

HI, i have a typical hang on filter for my 55g tank. i havent changed the filter cartriges for a year but i have been just cleaning the algae n wat not off of it under the sink.i was wandering if i could just put sum carbon on the bottom of the hang on filter instead of buying a new cartidge n save me sum money. Is this ok to do or will it be harmful. thanks in advance.

 

[Joviella]

Carbon is a good idea if you want to remove meds etc from your tank. Some people like to use carbon all the time but it isn't necessary and it has to be changed fairly regularly(unlike the other sponges).

 

[PaintballFan07]

Carbon is a good idea if you want to remove meds etc from your tank. Some people like to use carbon all the time but it isn't necessary and it has to be changed fairly regularly(unlike the other sponges).

alright thanx for the reply.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi PaintballFan07

Not only do filters clear away tiny particles of debris that might be floating in the water they provide a home for the beneficial bacteria that process the fish wastes and make them harmless.

When you rinse filter materials under the tap, if your water has chlorine in it to purify it for human consumption, it will kill the beneficial bacteria as well. It's always best to rinse them off using water removed from the tank during water changes. The filter insert can be used until it is literally falling apart if it is treated this way, so don't feel like you need to replace them often.

Some filters (like Whisper and AquaClear) can be run effectively using filter floss which can be purchased inexpensively at the lfs. The more surface area the bacteria has to cling to the better they will be able to do their job.

 

[PaintballFan07]

Hi PaintballFan07

Not only do filters clear away tiny particles of debris that might be floating in the water they provide a home for the beneficial bacteria that process the fish wastes and make them harmless.

When you rinse filter materials under the tap, if your water has chlorine in it to purify it for human consumption, it will kill the beneficial bacteria as well. It's always best to rinse them off using water removed from the tank during water changes. The filter insert can be used until it is literally falling apart if it is treated this way, so don't feel like you need to replace them often.

Some filters (like Whisper and AquaClear) can be run effectively using filter floss which can be purchased inexpensively at the lfs. The more surface area the bacteria has to cling to the better they will be able to do their job.

ok, thanks.

 

[Jimmy927]

and carbon takes out the colour in the water i use it on my interpet undergravel filter and i have seen a better cleaner tank so try carbon if you want.

james

 

[PaintballFan07]

and carbon takes out the colour in the water i use it on my interpet undergravel filter and i have seen a better cleaner tank so try carbon if you want.

james

alright thanx

 

[babyfish]

If you want to grow real plants in there you'll have to remove the carbon

Imo with regular water changes...good gravel cleaning....low stocking levels and no overfeeding you shouldn't need carbon anyway unnecessary exspence

 

[vantgE]

I always have a little bit half of a Ac 200 on a 90 gallon tank it really does keep they water clearer but should be changed every three weeks

 

[Barday]

If you want to grow real plants in there you'll have to remove the carbon

Imo with regular water changes...good gravel cleaning....low stocking levels and no overfeeding you shouldn't need carbon anyway unnecessary exspence

Why Is that? Does it harm the plants?

 

[chkltcow]

If you want to grow real plants in there you'll have to remove the carbon

Imo with regular water changes...good gravel cleaning....low stocking levels and no overfeeding you shouldn't need carbon anyway unnecessary exspence

Mine doesn't harm the plants. In fact, the plants in my 20g are growing a lot better since I added the carbon to it. Reason being, the water was so stained from driftwood that the light couldn't effectively get through to my plants. I added the carbon, cleared up the water, and BOOM... new growth.

 

[bartender_in_ny]

I HAVE 2 PENGUIN 330's on a 55 gal. keeps water crystal clear..i use amo-carb in the media baskets. this*soposedly* prevents amonia spikes..but w/4 bio wheels i never have any spikes...i do see that when i add the amo carb..the water clears up even more....so i use it, + its cheap. i get a lil milk carton of it every 4 weeks when i do a water chg. its about 5$..