View Full Version : ammonia filter
Is it a bad idea to keep an ammonia filter thingy (in my aquaclear) all the time? I was thinking it could be bad because maybe it doesn't give bacteria enough to feed on? I don't know enough about it, can someone enlighten me?
ScottoMacD
05-29-2003, 8:54 PM
Once your tank is cycled there is no need to keep the carbon the zeocarb or the ammoina packs in the filter.
FYI: The zeo carb is the mixture of the two just in case you didn't know. I know that some areas don't sell them.
With the regular maintenance of the tank there is really no reason for them to be there. Unless of course you are cleaning up after a medication then you will want the carbon or zeocarb pack in there.
The space that they take up in the filter could be used for another sponge that will only help your bacteria colony grow. Which is what you want.
As for it being a bad idea ....no, but it is however a waste of money. Those packs really only have a 3 month or less life span.
Extra sponges does sound like a good idea. I have a question about when you rinse them. Doesn't rinsing them (in water you plan on discarding after a waterchange) remove most of the bacteria? Or does it cling on pretty well?
ScottoMacD
05-29-2003, 9:34 PM
What I do with all my AC's. 150's 300's and 500's.
Is to rotate the sponges every cleaning. I Take the top sponge and rinse it in the tank water. Then place it on the bottom of the basket. I then take the bottom sponge (usually the really filthy one and rise it under the tap in a luke warm water until it is quite clean and then place it on the top of the basket.
Been doing this for years and have found my tanks much cleaner and clearer since I started this process.
It is very hard to get rid of the bacteria in the Ac sponges they are truly great for bacteria colonies.
OrionGirl
05-30-2003, 8:17 AM
I follow the same pattern as Scott. The bacteria are securely stuck to the sponge--if they weren't, then just the water being pushed through the sponge by the filter would cause a problem. I really scrub my sponges, and haven't had any problems.