New Fluval U2

[ron4sum1]

I have recently placed my order of a new Fluval U2. Although, I was wondering, does it require any sort of replacement? For example, I currently have a Stingray Filter which uses carbon/zeolite cartridge and some plastic foam in it. I used to have to replace the cartridge once a while. Does the Fluval U2 need this kind of replacing, providing that none gets damaged? Or do I need to replace the foam w/e once a while? If so, how long does it last ?

Thank you everyone!

 

[Mowbz]

You never have to replace a filter, unless its disintegrating. Just a little squeeze out in old tank water is fine until then.

I have a U2 in a 72ltr, and its a good little filter, and a bargain at £30 in a lfs. I would recommend buying more ceramic media than comes with it, as they are pretty stingy, and pull out the black carbon layers of the filter, they're only used for removing meds, chemicals etc. Replace with foam/sponge media.

 

[SLIM]

I have recently placed my order of a new Fluval U2. Although, I was wondering, does it require any sort of replacement? For example, I currently have a Stingray Filter which uses carbon/zeolite cartridge and some plastic foam in it. I used to have to replace the cartridge once a while. Does the Fluval U2 need this kind of replacing, providing that none gets damaged? Or do I need to replace the foam w/e once a while? If so, how long does it last ?

Thank you everyone!

No never replace the foam unless its falling apart.
They only tell you to replace the foam every so often so they can continue to profit from you. Thats it. They dont stop working or anything. By replacing it your be losing all your good bacteria within your filter thus starting a mini cycle.
And you dont need carbon in your filter. Only put carbon in your filter when you want to remove cemicals or medications from the water. Carbon will only work and do its job for about 2 or 3 days, after that its sitting in your filter not really doing much.

All you need is your foam pads and bio media.
Just clean them out in aqaurium water once a month or so

 

[ron4sum1]

You never have to replace a filter, unless its disintegrating. Just a little squeeze out in old tank water is fine until then.

I have a U2 in a 72ltr, and its a good little filter, and a bargain at £30 in a lfs. I would recommend buying more ceramic media than comes with it, as they are pretty stingy, and pull out the black carbon layers of the filter, they're only used for removing meds, chemicals etc. Replace with foam/sponge media.

What do you mean "squeeze out in old tank water"? .. Is it the same aquarium or if I have a spare aquarium, I squeeze it there?

Mine's 60L hehe! I've been told they're really good. I didn't get mine from LFS since they cost £43. So I ordered mine from ebay which is quite cheaper.

 

[Fantail_John]

You never have to replace a filter, unless its disintegrating. Just a little squeeze out in old tank water is fine until then.

I have a U2 in a 72ltr, and its a good little filter, and a bargain at £30 in a lfs. I would recommend buying more ceramic media than comes with it, as they are pretty stingy, and pull out the black carbon layers of the filter, they're only used for removing meds, chemicals etc. Replace with foam/sponge media.

What do you mean "squeeze out in old tank water"? .. Is it the same aquarium or if I have a spare aquarium, I squeeze it there?

Mine's 60L hehe! I've been told they're really good. I didn't get mine from LFS since they cost £43. So I ordered mine from ebay which is quite cheaper.

Think he means when you need to clean your filter sponge etc clean it with the old water within your tank not clean water from your tap as this will kill off the beneficial bacteria, So when you are going to do a water change and you need your filter cleaning do the cleaning in the water you took out on the water change you don't need to give the filter a good scrubbing, just a dunk in bucket a little shake

I have a U4 and good filter, but big and takes up a lot of room in the corner of the tank, but not to bad

 

[ron4sum1]

Ahh that makes sense! Thanks John. I primarily thought, I had to wash the sponge in the tank, but then, it'll get filtered again. So that was a bit stupid. Thanks for the help!!

 

[Mowbz]

I have a U4 and good filter, but big and takes up a lot of room in the corner of the tank, but not to bad

Agreed, for a large filter (Which the U series are comapred with others) they dont hold as much media as their competitors, but for price and function, they're a good buy.

 

[Fantail_John]

Ahh that makes sense! Thanks John. I primarily thought, I had to wash the sponge in the tank, but then, it'll get filtered again. So that was a bit stupid. Thanks for the help!!

Your welcome