DIY filter media replaclement

K

kidbookrev

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Nov 8, 2008
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South Central Minnesota
Hi,

I just bought a Penn-Plex Cascade 150 for my 10 gallon tropical tank (I know that's overkill, but if I upgrade...). It uses pre-made filter cartridges. It has a sponge, which doesn't need to be replaced until it wears out. The cartridges have floss on one side and 2 ounces of activated carbon on the other. The directions say to replace it once a month. The cartridges are only about $2, but I would like to either reuse them or make my own.

Questions:

1. Is the carbon helpful?
2. What should I use for mechanical filtration?
3. Is there anything else (more media, etc) I should add to make it filter better?

It says that it can pump 150 gph, but it has a flow rate control. I haven't tried it yet.

Thanks!
Isaac
 
I modified my small Whisper filter by adding biomax. I just added a small bag of biomax behind the filter cartridge.
 
LFS sell small bags of biomax for a few dollars. AquaClear filters use them. They are great.
 
I would just leave the cartridges as-is.. the carbon isnt going to do much, and will wear out after a week or so.. the nice part is that it doubles as a superb biomedia, and contrary to popular belief, will not leach what it took out of the water, back in.

the sponge and floss portion of the cartridge is a suitable mechanical filter.

don't replace them unless theyre physically falling apart, just rinse them in tank water and reuse them.
 
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