re-using Filter Pads???

[shuhu]

is it "OK" to re-use a filter pad, I mean if I rinse it with current tank water and make it look clean enough, or do I have to get a new one? also is it alright to simply get the foam that these pads are made of at HomeDepot, or at least what it looks like it???

This is not for my tanks, but for my brother's turtle tank, he has 6 turtles and changing these every 6 weeks seems like a lot.

And would it be the same for one of my fish tanks (the other one has UGF) ?? or woudl it be different because of the bacteria??? how should I proceed

 

[Tolak]

I've been rinsing mine for years, the current record for one of my sponges is at least 4 years. I've had it running for a couple years, my dad had it for 2 years before that, he got it used from a neighbor who moved.

I use Aqua Clear sponges in a few non-ac filters, sometimes I have to cut them to fit. Fabric shops usually have a wide variety of cushion foam, if you want to be cheap. Just make sure it has no fire retardants, and is open cell foam.

Tolak

 

[shuhu]

thanks, but what do you mean with "fire retardants" and "open cell foam"???

Also, could you tell me how you've done it? so that I can get a better idea on what to do??? did you cleaned it and scrubbed it with tank water to look almost white (or the original color) or simply rinsed it a little bit to remove big particles???

 

[Tolak]

Fire retardants are chemicals added to foam to slow down it's burn rate if it catches on fire. You don't want those chemicals in your tank.

Open cell foam lets liquid or gas pass through it. Sponges for filters are open cell, foam used for insulating is closed cell.

I just squeeze mine a few times in a bucket of tank water. You are trying to get the left over food & fish waste out, it doesn't have to be spotless. If you clean it too good you remove the bacteria that keeps your tank cycled.

Tolak