How important is it to replace carbon? Built into filter cartridges?

Stara'lfur

Stara'lfur

AC Members
May 19, 2008
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I have 3 cycled tanks using Penguin bio-wheel or similar type systems, that use the filter cartridges with built in activated carbon. I've heard from many sources that replacing filter cartridges is a waste of money and that I only need to rinse the cartirdges in tank water to clear it of debri once a month.

So does it matter that the carbon is essentially moot after two weeks? Is it really important for tank health? I also heard that the carbon that's left in for so long can actually be *bad* for the tank, is this true?

I really don't want to have to spend money on new filter cartridges every month, and I only recently was told that getting rid of the old carbon is important, and so is bringing in new carbon.

Any of you who use Penguin filters or eclipse set ups, what do you do?
 
I have 4 marineland filters 3 emporers and 1 pengiuns I bought the Bio3 replacable filters from drsfosterandsmith.com with the removable media for my filters and just run the sponges and extra filter material without the carbon unless I need to clean up medicine. I cut bulk blue filter material to fit the plastic baskets that are included with the kit. Works good so far. My emporers came with extra baskets but I dont like them.
 
I have whisper, eclipse and penguin systems. I was changing them out monthly when I first started in the hobby but then learned it is only necessary if the filter is really gunky or shredded to change it. I usually rinse it in old tank water once a month. It works for me :).
 
With each new filter I get, I figure out an easy way to re-use the cartridge frames myself with my own stuff - instead of constantly buying those ridiculously expensive disposable ones. You can buy large sheets of the blue filter material and get new carbon in a bulk container... much less expensive.

They're all different, so what you can do depends on which one it is. Sometimes it's easy to swap out the material... sometimes it's all just glued down around the edges. I always rinse them out... don't ever change the material until it wears out and starts to break down. You can cut a slit in the material, sometimes, to shake out the old carbon and stuff in some fresh carbon - then use a needle and thread to whipstitch it closed again. Then, if all else fails... you can sometimes tear away the old material, replace it with new stuff, then use some pantyhose or netting wrapped tightly around it to keep it together. As long as it's not too bulky, it'll slide back into position.
 
But is it really necessary to replace the carbon? Or to get rid of the old carbon?

Or can I just leave my months old cartridges in, old carbon and all, with regular rinsing, until they wear out?
 
don't worry about the carbon
 
Starálfur said:
But is it really necessary to replace the carbon? Or to get rid of the old carbon?

Or can I just leave my months old cartridges in, old carbon and all, with regular rinsing, until they wear out?
Click to expand...

thats what i do on my lightly stocked lil tanks with hob "10g and 20g,20g has 2 hob "
i just clean them with old tank water

i also added a few bio balls in each of my hob's too

but new carbon does help filter and remove smell i think
:)
 
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