Marina S15 Filter And Biocarb Cartridge Questions

[rossyk]

Hi guys. My relatively new and previously cycled 60L tank and occupants have very recently survived a pH crash (really soft water here). Since the pH dipped to 5, it's likely that the tank will need to cycle again. I thought now was the time to think about my filter/cartridges, since replacing them probably won't upset a non-existent cycle.
 
My tank (Marina 60) came with a slim S15 filter, which is nice because it seems to save on space, and 2 Biocarb cartridges:
 
http/usa.hagen.com/Aquatic/Media-Inserts/External/A291
 
So my questions are:
 
Has anyone has experience with this filter? I assume it's a cheapie, since it came free with the tank. The website says it's rated upto 57L, but was supplied with a 60L tank!
 
Are these cartridges just an expensive gimmick? They contain some sort of fancy ceramic stuff that is apparently extra good for filtering.The manual says to replace them every 2-4 weeks. Would cheaper foam be just as effective?
 
Many thanks for any info!
 
 

 

[AlbertShipman]

i too use fhe marina 60 however i am very new to this.

Is there three cartridge spaces in your filter?...

as i said my knowledge is very limited and i'm interested to hear others respond. what i gather tho is it is possible to replace these with a simple sponge like filter. which i believe is slightly more natural and longer lasting.

this is a very helpful site and sure someone with more knowledge with also offer advice.

 

[rossyk]

Hi Albert. Yes, the filter has space for 3 cartridges, but only 2 came with the aquarium. I bought some extras. I've read various things about the cartridges, mostly along the lines that they're a waste of money and if you stick with them they shouldn't be replaced so often, just rinsed in tank water. There's just seems very little room in the filter for sponges or for bacteria to colonise and I don't know even if the filter is even strong enough for the 60L tank.