A little trick to prolong the life of penguin/emperor filter cartridges

[ROLLIN]

Tonight I finally got my penguin 330. I wanted to use the cartridges without having to change them alot, so I slightly ripped up a side of each cartridge and shook out the carbon. Now I can just rinse them and use them until they fall apart.

[NJ Devils Fan]

I personally like the way off-ice has done it on the DiY part of his awesome site. I want to do it as soon as I can.

DiY Penguin/Emperor filter cartridges (http://www.plantgeek.net/filter_cartridges.htm)

[Dapple2]

That's what I used to do on mine too. Then I started cruising the pond section..... I forget which brand it is, but somebody makes some pond filter batting that is really nice and stiff and a lot more sturdy than the usual stuff. You can just cut it to fit and dispense with the plastic backing altogether. It doesn't shred when you rinse it vigourously either. :)

[HungryGoldfish]

I shove aquaclear 300 foam into my penguin 170.

[somefinnfishy]

why remove the carbon?

I use my dishwasher with out heat dry.They look brand new no frizz from scrubbing.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Some, after about a week or so, the carbon has no effect at all.

[somefinnfishy]

I f you havent pulled any meds it becomes media right?

[NJ Devils Fan]

Err.... after a week or so, carbon has no affect on anything. After like months and months, it will start to deteriorate.