Filter question

[NewObsession]

The 10 gallon kits I bought both come with a filter ( sorry, don't know the type..Petcetera generic hang on tank filter). It pumps water through Charcoal covered in foam mesh(the two are attached as a unit which is what gets changed when you change the charcoal). 2 quick questions.
1. Should I take the charcoal out while cycling? I don't know if the charcoal will get "used up" unless there are organics going through it and plain water is fine?

2. Although the package boasts "bio filtration" I know from my pond experience that changing the filter means throwing out the established bacteria. should I put something else in the filter (scouring pad?) to have somewhere for bacteria to establish in the filter? Or will it establish itself ennough in a 10 gallon tank that the water doesn't need to be pumped through it in the filter?

[Hooked Newbie]

The 10 gallon kits I bought both come with a filter ( sorry, don't know the type..Petcetera generic hang on tank filter). It pumps water through Charcoal covered in foam mesh(the two are attached as a unit which is what gets changed when you change the charcoal). 2 quick questions.
1. Should I take the charcoal out while cycling? I don't know if the charcoal will get "used up" unless there are organics going through it and plain water is fine? No need to remove the charcoal. The only time you really need to worry about having charcoal in a well maintained tank is to remove meds.

2. Although the package boasts "bio filtration" I know from my pond experience that changing the filter means throwing out the established bacteria. should I put something else in the filter (scouring pad?) to have somewhere for bacteria to establish in the filter? Or will it establish itself ennough in a 10 gallon tank that the water doesn't need to be pumped through it in the filter? Chances are that the filter included in the kit is the absolute bare minimum. I'd suggest either upgrading it or adding another small filter to insure that you never lose all your bacteria. Be careful of adding anything not specifically for aquariums. I've read about people having problems due to unknown chemicals being released.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck and welcome to AC!

[msjinkzd]

i too wouldn't worry about replacing the charcoal. I would treat the cartridge as though it didn't even hold charcoal, just rinse it out in tank water during regular maintenance and replace if it starts to fall apart.

[NewObsession]

Cool, Thanks for the advice. Maybe what I will do is drop in a couple of pieces of the Bio Media from my pond filter. It should be established anyways which can't hurt.

[Hooked Newbie]

Cool, Thanks for the advice. Maybe what I will do is drop in a couple of pieces of the Bio Media from my pond filter. It should be established anyways which can't hurt.

Great idea! Media from an established system definitely can't hurt.

[ostrangeone89]

I hate Pet Cetera stuff but I got my 29 gall from their and I am actually impressed.. Although the modem for my UGF is very loud I am impressed otherwise. I don't know about smaller filters rom Pet Cetera, I know I would upgrade to a Aqua Clear, when buying from I'd spend the extra money on their Hagen Starter Kits, they're much better. You Get the Aqua Clear with it and all the filter media, you also get cycle, conditioner and something else with it. I was really impressed with the Hagen, but if your just gettig a 10 gall or 20 I'd spend the extra money on the Hagen because your going to have to upgrade with the PC stuff anyways.