Replacing blue-fiber-covered filters

[Linden]

Have a Penguin bioweel filter. Is there any cheap DIY replacement for the 'wet' filters [flat black plastic with carbon in the middle and blue floss on the outside]?

I rinse them every water change, but the blue stuff disintegrates after a while, and I have to buy new ones.

I have two of my old ones saved. I ripped off the old blue stuff, but it didn't come off very clean at all. So, before I proceed with scraping off the rest of the blue fibers and applying new filter fabric (with aquarium glue??), I want to know if I am on the right path.

If I create a filter without the carbon (I have carbon in the 'hang on the back' part of the Penguin), can I just smoosh the blue stuff in loose as I insert the filter?

I have a 55-Gallon tropical freshwater, since 2001. Its not overstocked, but it has 2 bristlenose cats and alot of plants and wood and nosy-in-the-gravel loaches. The filters are dark brown and goopy when I do my bi-weekly water changes.

["13"]

you can buy empty filter cartridges that fit the slots i have one on my 350 that i occasionally use for carbon.

[Linden]

I don't really want to buy. I want to re-use the plastic frame and cover it with the blue (or whatever color) flossy stuff.

But, if I do want to buy in the future, where would I get the filter frames? I haven't really looked around in the mega-pet stores.

My thing is, I don't care about the carbon, I care about the filtration. My tank generates a lot of goop, so I want to replace the fiber stuff on the cheap.

["13"]

heres the link you can put what ever you want in their or you could buy some foam buy the sheet and cut it to fit the slots
http://www.marineland.com/catalog/index.asp?prodid=2014

[Linden]

Thanks! Unless I hear otherwise, I will try to scrape the old stuff of my frames. If that fails, I will buy frames on 13's link. In any case, I will probably just try to jam in the fiber stuff.

What do you call that fiber stuff, anyhow? Not the loose floss, but the stuff that is like loose fabric. 13 called it foam.

["13"]

I should have said sponge not foam
well you could really use anything ( as long it is safe for the fish ) sponge is just easier to clean and wont wear down as much

look here http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp/si1383194/cl1/sponge34_x_11_x_12?&query=fitler+sponge+&queryType=0&offset=

[Linden]

How do you find out if products are safe for fish or not? Trial and error? What do you think about using kitchen-type skritchy-pads material?

If no one knows, I'll look into buying 13's foam online.

["13"]

if you mean pot scrubbers yes they work great lots of people use them in trickle filters not only do they make a good mechanical filter they area also a great place for beneficial bacteria to grow. maybe take a few apart and stretch them over the plastic frames

[msjinkzd]

i just put ceramic rings in mine and stuff the rest of the space with poly-fill

[soobie]

I wouldn't use kitchen sponges, not even the ones with the scrubber backs, since they may contain antibacterial/antifungal chemicals.

I use Aquaclear filter foam in my Penguin 100 HOB filter; I buy the biggest block and cut it down to size. It works great, gets all the floaties out of the water, and lasts a really long time. If you need finer grade filtration, you can get polyfill, like others have said. Fabric stores or discount stores have big bags for cheap. With these options, you don't need the frame.

Another option is to put pantyhose over the filter frame. You can stuff it with polyfill, or add carbon, or however you want to do it.

["13"]

I wouldn't use kitchen sponges, not even the ones with the scrubber backs, since they may contain antibacterial/antifungal chemicals.


The pot scrubbers are fine http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-filter/111.asp
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wernersponds.com/scrubbies.jpg&imgrefurl=http://wernersponds.com/biofiltermedia.htm&h=249&w=453&sz=50&hl=en&start=6&tbnid=pQYJWSNv7jVgBM:&tbnh=70&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddiy%2Bfilter%2Busing%2Bpot%2Bscrubber s%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX

[Linden]

You folks are great. I will check out all your suggestions.

My fish will be happier cuz I'm not cheaping out with re-used rotten filters and I won't have to stress about making all those trips to the mini-mall. This filter has 2 filter thingies, but Petsmart only sells replacements in 3's. Plus, I hate to spend all that $ on something that looks so simple.

Someone with a lot experience should compile and submit a sticky on this topic.

Happy fish-watching!

[kj5kb]

Ditto the pantyhose recommendation...you can get several filters out of a pair of pantyhose. cut all the old material off the frame & slide a piece of stocking over it. tie off top and bottom. rinse and use. cheap and easy. rinse to clean-or cut one of the knots and slip it off right into the trash. Does a good job of water polishing too.

For when you DO want carbon, check out the "Imagine" brand replacement cartridges. Box of 6 comes with one frame and 6 floss/carbon inserts. Better design than OEM, IMHO...TMA (too many acronyms)
Petsolutions and others carry 'em.

[soobie]

The pot scrubbers are fine http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-filter/111.asp
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wernersponds.com/scrubbies.jpg&imgrefurl=http://wernersponds.com/biofiltermedia.htm&h=249&w=453&sz=50&hl=en&start=6&tbnid=pQYJWSNv7jVgBM:&tbnh=70&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddiy%2Bfilter%2Busing%2Bpot%2Bscrubber s%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX


Yeah, i should have clarified my statement- the all-plastic-mesh pot scrubbers are fine, just don't use the sponges with the attached scratchy material. :)

[fishieperson321]

Ditto the pantyhose recommendation...you can get several filters out of a pair of pantyhose. cut all the old material off the frame & slide a piece of stocking over it. tie off top and bottom. rinse and use. cheap and easy. rinse to clean-or cut one of the knots and slip it off right into the trash. Does a good job of water polishing too.

For when you DO want carbon, check out the "Imagine" brand replacement cartridges. Box of 6 comes with one frame and 6 floss/carbon inserts. Better design than OEM, IMHO...TMA (too many acronyms)
Petsolutions and others carry 'em.

I agree completely!!:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagre e::iagree:

Panty hose works great and so do the IMAGINE BIOSystem BIO3 Catridges. I also love my IMAGINE BIOSYSTEM power filter!!! Far better than WHISPER!!!

Daniel