Filter media question

[ratherbe]

The used tank that I bought, 4'x12"x18", came with a Marineland Emperor Model 400B bio-filter. It has the two blue carbon filled filters, but right next to them, is two grey hard 'boxes' (about 1-1/2" wide) that have white stones and cylinder shaped black charcoal in them. Is this a double filter system? Oh yeah, there's also the two bio wheels that are like new. Is it okay to continue to use the stuff that's in these boxes? Is it necessary to use this boxes at all? Can I still use the two blue filters, as they still look like new. :help:

[Rbishop]

You can download the manual from this link...

http://www.marineland.com/products/consumer/con_emperor.asp

I take it this equipment was used? If so, I would buy new filter pads, bio-wheel and media for the boxes. You never know what has happened to those items that could contaminate them.

[Hound]

In short no its not a double filter system. Anyways its not necessary to have media in the media baskets at all times. Normally speaking with a used filter I toss any open and used media. Those white stones and that charcoal may look usable, but they are probably filled with dead bacteria and why put that in your aquarium? If its feasible for you I'd replace the wheels also.

[ratherbe]

Thanks guys, especially Bob for the link to print the manual. That's just what I needed. My new tank is currently cycling. I did a water test this morning and the ph, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrites were right on! Maybe it's the well water? Whatever it is, I'm happy - and the aquarium is looking really good.

[CaptnDan]

Just curious, but how long has it been set up?

Any fish in there?

[Cityfish]

Were the wheels still wet when you got them. If so there is may still be a lot of great denitrifying bacteria in them, and if and if the equipment came from a tank yoy know was healthy you might use them and greatly reduce cycling time. My first used tank came dirty and cycled. I still added fish slowly, was patient and observant. I have never seen ammonia on a single test nor have I had any sick fish…ever :D

I am no expert, a newby really… This is just my own experience.

[ratherbe]

I put the water in this past Wednesday and the next day added some gravel and fake plants from my existing tank. Later I added a couple of cups of water from the existing tank. No fish in yet. I need to get the filtration system up and running, and I need to buy some new filters. The wheels weren't wet when I got the tank, but I did discover a couple of real plants in the gravel when I started cleaning it out, so I know that it hadn't been long since it was taken down. The other day I found an awesome two foot piece of driftwood (fake) that looks fantastic in the new tank. My fish are gonna think they've died and gone to heaven. :laugh: