View Full Version : hob filter question
woodboys
01-12-2007, 3:08 AM
I have a aqua tech hob filter. I've been noticeing on my water changes that the bacteria filter, or at least the filter block that is the last before the water exits, has what looks like algae or moss growing with the flow of the water. Is this good or bad? Should I rinse it out with the water change or let it keep growing?:huh:
liv2padl
01-12-2007, 4:19 AM
rinse it out.
Just make sure you rinse it in tank water and not tap water. Untreated tap water will kill your bacteria.
impossible
01-12-2007, 7:16 AM
Better yet,throw out that piece of junk and buy an aqua clear!!
woodboys
01-12-2007, 8:09 AM
What is this stuff? Is it what the bacteria looks like? It's like a muchous in the filter. What's the difference between the aqua tech and the aqua clear except that the tech is a product of wal mart.
Better yet,throw out that piece of junk and buy an aqua clear!!
Best advice ever!
Marinemom
01-12-2007, 1:45 PM
This poster already has the aqua tech so I would just concentrate on giving the advice for that filter. Not everyone can just go and buy another filter. I would definetly rinse it out in some tank water since it is in the filter part and you will want to perserve as much good bacteria as possible so you do not kick in a mini cycle.
Marinemom
woodboys
01-12-2007, 3:21 PM
Thank you Marinemom. I"m still wondering if this stuff I see is what's considered the good bacteria or just some form of algea.
Kyohti
01-12-2007, 5:20 PM
This poster already has the aqua tech so I would just concentrate on giving the advice for that filter. Not everyone can just go and buy another filter. I would definetly rinse it out in some tank water since it is in the filter part and you will want to perserve as much good bacteria as possible so you do not kick in a mini cycle.
Marinemom
AMEN!! It bothers me sometimes that instead of giving solutions to the problem asked, people see a solution in throwing out everything you've already bought and buying this, that and the other.
Like the person who asked for advice on more realistic silks because he didn't want the hassle of real who only got advice about 'easy to care for reals' and such and NO HELP FOR WHAT HE REALLY ASKED FOR. Sorry... had to vent for a sec...
I agree that you should keep that growth cleaned out of your filter. It's probably an algaeal growth more than likely. I get the same stuff. It's greenish brown and looks kind of hairy/fluffy? If you don't have real plants, you might want to use an algae inhibiting liquid to keep it in check... especially if you don't have any vegetarian fish, like plecos, willing to dine on it.
And though I don't agree with running out and buying a new filter overnight, I do agree that putting a little money away and saving for a higher quality filter will reap you all sorts of rewards if you're willing to invest in it. I've had 11 years of experience in buying Whisper and AquaTech filters and I can tell you... paying more for better quality really does and will pay off in the end when you're ready to invest in it. ^-^
Blueiz
01-12-2007, 5:28 PM
Ditto, just rinse it in tank water when doing a water change. Rinse this everytime you do your filter media and this should take care of the prob. I would not put any algaecides in the tank--filter as this isnt needed when regular maintenance is done..
Blue
The original question had already been answered. I thought the extra advice might prove helpful. :D