replacing media filters?

[wakemenow]

Yes, oz, you can put your own filter material in instead of a pre-packaged cartridge. The cartridge is mainly a matter of convenience.

I occasionally rinse my cartridge off, but rarely replace it (haven't in over two months already). In fact, I'm considering adding a small submersible filter to ensure enough bacteria survives when I do need to switch it out. FTR, I have a penguin with bio-wheel currently.

No problems at this time, but the tank is heavily planted. :thumbsup:

 

[ozgood]

Good to know. It all makes sense. I'm still new to all of this. I have an Eheim 2115 canister filter on a larger tank. I'm not constantly taking filter material out of the 2215 and throwing them away like the Eclipse filters. I'll experiment a little bit. Then again, I'm planning on breaking down the 12 gallon and replace it with a 29 gallon with an AquaClear HOB filter.

 

[doubletail]

Not to repeat what ozgood asked before but just to make sure... I have a Aqua-Tech Power filter 5/15 Ive had it for 2 months and havent changed it but Im worried because Ive read that I need to change the carbon in the cartridge. But instead of having the cartridge with carbon I can just use the sponge or the rings and wash them in removed tank water and not have to buy cartridges? if so then why does it come with carbon?

thanks

 

[OldMan1947]

It can remove some chemicals like after you have used medication. It also keeps you buying filters.