Marineland Rite-Size Z Filter Cartridges: Need Dimensions!!!

[metropolis93fan]

I recently realized that my tank that was SUPPOSED to come with a sponge as part of the filter didn't. I was in a LOT Of pain when I was setting it up and wasn't paying attention... and now that I'm changing up fish and needing to use medicine on my betta in his own tank I realized... I don't have biological filtration outside of the cartridges you throw away! So I want to buy sponge to use instead of the cartridges... but I don't know the size. (the dimensions on Amazon I believe include the box.. it cannot POSSIBLY be 2 inches thick!) I'm at my parents' house for a few more days. I want the sponge when I go back to my apartment for a quick feed... (It's a crazy week and a half due to health issues.... all my doctors are in my parents' town 30 minutes away and it's like an appointment every day through Friday next week! I've been here since Wednesday. RALLY fed my betta starting two days before I left and will be doing a trip maybe Monday next week to feed and hopefully replace filter material.

Does ANYONE have the specs for these cartridges/this filter? I'm SO angry... I bought this tank because it was supposed to be 3-way filtration... Argh! I appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks!

 

[Oblio]

I only see fiber filters for Marineland units that use size Z.

Have you looked at using a pre-filter?

I use one of these on my AquaClear 150 covering my intake tube.

2-in-1 Bio-Foam Prefilter for Penguin Pro 125,175 & 275 | Marineland®

www.marineland.com

You could stuff poly-batting (do not use poly-fill) from Michaels or other craft store where the cartridge is, and top with ceramic bio rings to hold the batting down.

 

[Valkyrie_Lips]

You can always buy a big piece of course sponge and cut to size. That's what I do.

 

[Oblio]

You can always buy a big piece of course sponge and cut to size. That's what I do.

In a pinch, plastic dish scrubbers also work.

 

[metropolis93fan]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002565PW/?tag=ff0d01-20

I was looking at this as a possibility... and cutting it. I was just so worried it would be too thick (anything) but it seems the general consensus is about 1 inch for the cartridge area...

 

[metropolis93fan]

I only see fiber filters for Marineland units that use size Z.

Have you looked at using a pre-filter?

I use one of these on my AquaClear 150 covering my intake tube.

2-in-1 Bio-Foam Prefilter for Penguin Pro 125,175 & 275 | Marineland®

www.marineland.com

You could stuff poly-batting (do not use poly-fill) from Michaels or other craft store where the cartridge is, and top with ceramic bio rings to hold the batting down.

A little confused. Do you mean putting the pre-filer in where the cartridge goes and filling IT with stuff? There's no intake valve with this particular filter. I know some people have pried the back off and just gotten a HOB filter... also giving the fish more room.. but money for a HOB isn't easy right now and I really don't want to drain all 5 gallons with my health if possible.

 

[Oblio]

A little confused. Do you mean putting the pre-filer in where the cartridge goes and filling IT with stuff? There's no intake valve with this particular filter. I know some people have pried the back off and just gotten a HOB filter... also giving the fish more room.. but money for a HOB isn't easy right now and I really don't want to drain all 5 gallons with my health if possible.

Is this a filter integrated with the tank? Do you have make/model number of the filter? It will be easier to craft a solution with more info.

 

[metropolis93fan]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8SZTKQ/?tag=ff0d01-20

This is what I have. Yeah, all in one, filter behind the tank itself. Was supposed to come with a sponge but it didn't. And I was in so much pain when I was putting it together it didn't register... and I just realized it.

 

[Oblio]

Here is the part ML90626-00 that is listed in your instruction manual

Bio-Foam for Contour and Silhouette Kits | Marineland®

cart.upgpet.com

I would put that in, continue to run the cartridge for a month, rinsing in old tank water at WCs. Once the bacteria is colonized in the sponge, ditch the cartridges and replace with a mesh bag of bio-rings. You could also cut some poly batting and place between foam and rings. Change batting every few water changes or when it gets dirty. This will give you crystal clear water.

 

[Oblio]

Here is the part

Bio-Foam for Contour and Silhouette Kits | Marineland®

cart.upgpet.com

I would put that in, continue to run the cartridge for a month, rinsing in old tank water at WCs. Once the bacteria is colonized the sponge, ditch the cartridges and replace with a mesh bag of bio-rings. You could also cut some poly batting and place between foam and rings. Change batting every few water changes or when it gets dirty. This will give you crystal clear water.

Alternatively, you could stuff a few plastic scrubbers in place of the foam, or cut some foam to fit once you can measure the size needed.

 

[metropolis93fan]

Here is the part ML90626-00 that is listed in your instruction manual

Bio-Foam for Contour and Silhouette Kits | Marineland®

cart.upgpet.com

I would put that in, continue to run the cartridge for a month, rinsing in old tank water at WCs. Once the bacteria is colonized in the sponge, ditch the cartridges and replace with a mesh bag of bio-rings. You could also cut some poly batting and place between foam and rings. Change batting every few water changes or when it gets dirty. This will give you crystal clear water.

Where do you put the foam if you keep using the cartrige? Maybe i have it and just don't see it. I don't think so...

 

[metropolis93fan]

Alternatively, you could stuff a few plastic scrubbers in place of the foam, or cut some foam to fit once you can measure the size needed.

I've read about plastic scrubbers but not sure exactly what is meant by that...

 

[Oblio]

 

[Oblio]

These will hold up longer and probably have more surface area

 

[Oblio]

Where do you put the foam if you keep using the cartrige? Maybe i have it and just don't see it. I don't think so...

Under the cartridge, in the carrier