Safe to reuse Filter inserts?

[Eve]

I hope I put this in the right section and that it's not a dumb question. I've been switching between an aqua clear power filter and a whisper and I'm wondering if it's ok to save filter cartridges that have already been used (but not to the full extent they can be) and reuse them when the filter is operated again? Of course they would be laid out to dry before storage. If so, how would you store them...put them in a plastic bag, maybe? I'm not sure what would happen to it if it were to sit for very long and if there would be a potential for mold to grow on it.

Thanks.

 

[ghinksmon]

If anything I only save the foam. Actually I usually relegate it to scrubbing duty. As for the carbon or other media why bother? The effective life is rather short and they're not that expensive.

 

[joephys]

I wouldn't switch back and fourth between filters. I would pick one and stick with it. As far as reusing media, mechanical is ok assuming you can clean off most or all of the gunk. Chemical media wears out fairly quickly but do provide good area for good bacteria to grow. Biological media should never be changed.

 

[Eve]

Thanks. Yeah, I do know better than to switch between two filters, but my fish have been sick and I couldn't decide which one to use permanently. Thanks though, joephys, that is really good advice. I don't think whispers have biological media and aquas are supposed to be changed every 3 months. I've never heard of never changing them.

Thank you also for the advice, ghinksmon. When I first took down my aqua clear the carbon had only been in it for a week and all the rest of them were fairly new as well (it was a month all the inserts were scheduled to be changed). The next week same for the whisper, but I tossed that insert. I've since switched back to the whisper (still thinking about hooking up both filters) and allowed the aqua clear inserts to dry.