removing meds

[fish_newbie]

i have a 5g and i just treated it for ich..

how long do i keep the carbon in the filter to take out the meds? and do i have to rinse the sponge or just leave it be?

 

[canarsie11]

Add the carbon and do some water changes!

 

[fish_newbie]

lol of course ..but how long do i keep the carbon in till i know its gone

 

[heresmike]

There wouldn't be any harm in leaving the carbon in for longer than it takes to remove it. However, I've heard that after 4 weeks, the carbon will lose its effectiveness and actually release the chemicals back into the water. So I guess I'd go with around 3 weeks. It should be removed long before then.

 

[Dragonslair]

I would agree with heresmike.

 

[jvis0606]

Agreed... my filters actually contain carbon (its sewn into the filter as a combined unit) and I am supposed to change the carbon filter every 4 weeks or so.