Tetratec Ex 1200 Filter Media

[The Duke]

I have had the Tetratec ex 1200 for about a month now - great filter so far!! My question is about the media. In the second from top basket there is the black carbon filter pad and with it two "bags" of a black substance (think its carbon). With other filters I have ran there has only ever been the black sponge so I am confused as to what these bags are and what their role is. Would these bags need replacing each time the carbon filter sponge is changed? I was thinking about getting some purigen. Could this be put in the filter in place of the carbon? Thanks.

 

[Aquascaper]

Sounds like the bags are activated carbon granules, they do the same as the carbon sponge but have a higher surface area. I would remove them and just have a carbon sponge (if you really need one) and purigen bags.

 

[The Duke]

If I was to take the carbon sponge out altogether, what would people suggest replacing it with?

 

[Zikofski]

i have two 1200 on my tank, and in mine there is no black carbon pad just a normal filter pad, but i took out the carbon stuff and replaced it with filterfloss,

mine goes from bottom to top

Tray1
- ceramic stuff
- Filter Pad x1
Tray2
-Filterpad x2
Tray3
-Bio Balls
Tray4
-Filter Pad x1
-Filter Floss

as far as my knowlege goes the carbon cleans out any chemicals in the water, aka medical treatment, and ensures the water dose not turn yellow i think

hope this helps