Whisper Bio-Bag Disposable Filter Cartridge

[Where the river goes]

For anyone that uses this type of filter, how often do you replace it?

 

[Alia]

I replace it when it's really dirty, although I suppose I could rinse it off in tank water during a water change and re-use it. The charcoal (if you use it) is only good for a certain length of time - maybe a month? I'm not sure. How quickly it gets dirty is probably different in your tank than it is in mine. My bio-load is very light right now. This filter is in my 10 gallon. HTH.

Alia

By the way, you probably know this, but never wash the little frame that the filter goes on, or even rinse it under the tap (aquarium water is ok). that's where all your beneficial bacteria colonies live.

 

[Alien Anna]

Put the new bag in the tank, loose, about a week before you want to do the change-over. This will "seed" the new filter inside with beneficial bacteria. This is what I do with my Juwel filter sponges.

 

[Alia]

These are a little different than sponges. They go on a little frame which retains the bacteria so you really don't have to "seed" the new bag, unless you want to. Just keep using the same frame. Of course, if you change the frame for some reason, then you'd want to seed the bag, I suppose.

Alia

 

[Where the river goes]

Thanks for the info. Good thing I asked 'cause I didn't know the bacteria colonies were in the bag clip. Interesting. Makes you wish the manufacturer would include better instructions!

Another question though. I know if you add medication to the tank you should remove the filter as the charcoal absorbs medication, so by removing the filter and keeping it out of water, aren't you killing off the bacteria in the filter?

 

[Scarab]

When using medication with a Whisper Bio Bag all you have to do is remove the carbon, not the entire filter. When the carbon's removed you still have the frame and the white floss-like bag that covers it in the housing in the tank.

Removing the carbon is very easy. Unplug the filter first (to be safe). Take the cartridge out of the housing. Undo the clip and slide the frame up out of the bag. Then just dump the carbon out of the bag. Re-insert the frame back into the bag, put the clip back on to secure them and slide the whole thing back into the housing and plug it back up. Very easy. And once the fish are better and your done medicating you can put some new carbon into the bag.

Some people don't even use carbon...I've read a lot of posts here about that. I'm not sure why yet...maybe Alien Anna or others could shed some light on not using carbon at all. (but you'd need it to remove medication)

 

[joshua]

wow really envious of u guys who have all these nice stuff for your tank. most of the stuff here in singapore are some cheapo asian brand, many made from poor quality stuff. most of the LFS owners are chinese- educated and half the time i do not understand them although i take chinese as a language too hehe.

 

[Where the river goes]

thanks for the info scarab

wow really envious of u guys who have all these nice stuff for your tank. most of the stuff here in singapore are some cheapo asian brand, many made from poor quality stuff.

Have you looked into ordering equipment online?