Unclear about filter changes...
- Thread starter Astramorgaine
- Start date
need to add the but more to my statement. i dont use carbon on my tanks but if i am using meds or something i do add it to clear it up. its just been so long i forget about it......
Sorry, totally disagree. Give some written proven scientific data, from an unbiased souce, that says carbon is bad for water quality and clarity.
Most experienced freshwater fish keepers aren't keeping activated carbon in their filters anymore. It's just another thing that the filter people are trying to sell you to keep revenue pouring in.. pardon the pun. I haven't had any activated carbon in any of my four filter systems on two tanks for over a year and all of my fish are fine. I do keep some around in case of an emergency or if I need to filter some medicine. Will Carbon hurt your tank ? No. Will it help? It will polish water, remove impurities, odors and Medicines when medicating a tank. Do you need it to have healthy water? NO. Will it keep you water clearer if you use it ? Yes, It may. Does it last the month as most manufactuers state? No, even good carbon lasts 2-3 weeks at best. Just MO.
I have an emperor 280 filter , changing the filter cartridge isnt a good idea? What about the carbon thats with the sponge?
My personal experience.
My tanks run Fluval Canisters and Aquaclear HOB's. I have sponge, ceramic and polywool media. I have had the sponges for 5 years. The polywool gets changed more frequently.
I don't run carbon, but I change 30% -50% of my water each week and my tanks are planted and understocked.
Carbon is fine to use but I agree with others that it isn't needed for daily use in a well maintained tank.
Some quick internet seraches and it looks like carbon in those large water filtration tubes (not meant for tanks but the same carbon) is used up after 1500 litres of filtration roughly. I know my 30 gallon tank will go through that pretty fast.
As for changing filters? Well, in an established tank it shouldn't matter that much as there is a large population of bacteria on all surfaces of the tank, at least in well oxygenated parts.
My tanks run Fluval Canisters and Aquaclear HOB's. I have sponge, ceramic and polywool media. I have had the sponges for 5 years. The polywool gets changed more frequently.
I don't run carbon, but I change 30% -50% of my water each week and my tanks are planted and understocked.
Carbon is fine to use but I agree with others that it isn't needed for daily use in a well maintained tank.
Some quick internet seraches and it looks like carbon in those large water filtration tubes (not meant for tanks but the same carbon) is used up after 1500 litres of filtration roughly. I know my 30 gallon tank will go through that pretty fast.
As for changing filters? Well, in an established tank it shouldn't matter that much as there is a large population of bacteria on all surfaces of the tank, at least in well oxygenated parts.
The carbon loses it's effectiveness after a few weeks. If you prefer to use carbon, however unnecessary, you can make a slit in the top of the pack that contains the carbon. Then remove the carbon, buy a big jug of carbon at the fish store, and continue to replace it with that. This way you will not have to throw away your filter pads. Now all you have to do is take your filter pad out and swish it around in some tank water to clean it from gunk that clogs it.
