Rubber Bands

[ct_hulhu]

I noticed when someone mentioned putting pantyhose over a filter intake, to attach it with a rubber band. Are we talking about the standard brown rubber band or is it better to use another kind, like the clear kind? I have two Discard-A-Filters that I dislodged the front grates from, so I can just rinse the sponge and replace the carbon each month (cheaper than buying cartridge after cartridge for my small tanks). I'll need to somehow affix the grate back onto the front of the filter whenever I do this. Wrapping a thin rubber band around the top and bottom seems to be the easiest way. I have a slew of normal brown rubber bands. Acceptable/safe?

Thanks!

 

[bronzecat]

Not sure about the sponge pads you are talking about, but i generally use those Plastic zip-ties to attatch things in the tank.

 

[Night61]

should be fine i did this when i first started with the guppies, now that i am overrun, i don't worry about them so often. this worked also with my baby mystery snails who were just the right size to sneak into the filter when they were born. just be warned you want to pull pantyhose tight in order for the it to flow well. otherwise the filter will slow down.

 

[ct_hulhu]

Not sure about the sponge pads you are talking about, but i generally use those Plastic zip-ties to attatch things in the tank.

This is the filter, meant to be thrown away. I got the grate loose so I plan to just rinse the sponge on the bottom and replace the carbon.

Wouldn't zip ties make a rough spot where they are fastened, or do you not trim the excess off?

 

[bronzecat]

Cant see a picture?

I trim the zip ties, but i only use them for permanent fixings.

 

[ct_hulhu]

Should be able to see the pic now, sorry.

 

[bronzecat]

Ah right. As long as you rinse them in tank water then its just like a regular filter

 

[ct_hulhu]

Excellent. I assume from responses that normal brown rubber bands aren't toxic or anything. Thanks

 

[bronzecat]

Wouldn't know, but as some have used them i would presume there ok.

 

[love4aquatic]

Wouldn't know, but as some have used them i would presume there ok.

be carefull! if the rubberbands snap the bettas will usualy go for them thinking they are worms!

 

[LionMom]

I use regular rubber bands and have not had any problems - so far!