chrystal2277

For those of you who didn't see my introductory thread, I just inherited a tank/setup from my mom....

I have a Aqua-Tech 200 canister filter. It hangs on the back of the tank. I don't know how old it is, and I am sure that there are many filters out there that our better than this one but financially this is the one I must use. I looked inside, it has a thin course foam sleeve that slips over the carbon/media container. It has an option(which I don't know if my mom got because I haven't taken it completely apart) to install something called a "polishing" cartridge inside the canister with the carbon. Now, I know some of you use carbon and some of you don't...I haven't decided what I want to do yet. What I need to know is where is my "good bacteria" supposed to grow? On the outer foam sleeve or do I need to stick a sponge somewhere? If so, where do I stick it? Things look pretty tight in there.

Here is a diagram of my filter specs if that will help.


Since I am just starting up I really don't know anything about this so I would appreciate any advice, care and maintenance instructions to keep my tank cycled and clean. TIA!

HitchHiker

The good bacteria grows on the surface of everything. So the more porous the surface the more bacteria it can hold. I personally don't run carbon in my filter, but I have some on hand in case of emergencies (kids put something in the tank that they shouldn't), or if I have to medicate them.

harpua2002

Hmm, that looks exactly like a HOT Magnum. I know that aquarist48 (Ken) uses Magnums, you should send a PM.

aquarist48

Hello Crystal and Welcome to Fish Lore.

The filter you have looks exactly like my Magnum HOT filter. Your good bacteria will grow on all surfaces of the filter as stated above. The blue foam sleeve (mine is blue) that slides over the carbon canister section will house your good bacteria and so will the plastic mesh surrounding the container that holds the other filter media (whether you choose to use carbon or stuff it full of more sponges or both). Too, you could always add bio cubes, tubes, any type of filter media that you really want to add into the section that holds the carbon to house more bacteria colonies. Yes, it's a tight fit for sure Remember to only rinse your filter media in siphoned tank water and never tap water. This will preserve your good bacteria. If you decide to use carbon then change the carbon out completely every 3 weeks so that it doesn't leak the minerals and what I call "cooties" back into the tank

The polishing cartridge (or micron cartridge) I only use every now and then. Everything has to be removed from inside the filter (excluding the impeller in the bottom) and placed in the tank to use the micron cartridge. It really does help to polish the water. The micron cartridge will clog after about 48 hours and has to be rinsed or replaced. I soak mine in a bleach solution to clean it.

Hope this helps yous some. If you have more questions don't hesitate to ask
Ken

chrystal2277

Thank you so much for such a quick response Aquarist48! It helps a great deal. I will probably stuff some sponges or something in with the carbon just to make sure that if I have to change the foam sleeve there is plenty of good bacteria left. How often does yours need to be changed? Also, I notice that the carbon is just dumped in the canister..is this the normal way? Or is there little bags or something I could put it in to make it less "messy"? What exactly is "polishing" the water? Is it necessary? How do you know it's time to "polish" the water? (Forgive me for asking any silly questions) I appreciate you taking the time to help me understand all this.

Chrystal

aquarist48

Hi Chrystal.
I would suggest putting the carbon into a mesh media bag. They're easy to find at the local fish store. You can use the foam sleeve until it's falling apart. Only rinse it in siphoned tank water and never tap water. You can just swoosh it around and every now and then just give it a squeeze. Don't over do it I've only had mine for about a year and I've never changed the blue sleeve for a new one.

Polishing the water...the micron cartridge that you can use from time to time will filter down to the micron...removing much smaller particles than when you use it with the filter sleeve. However, it's not meant to be used as a full time insert. You'll really see a difference. Too, it helps to remove algae with the water is green. You can use it whenever you feel it's necessary. Maybe once a month or every two months. Once you get use to it you'll know .

When you use the micron cartridge be sure to place the media you remove into the tank so you don't loose the good bacteria and your cycle.

None of your questions are silly. We're here to help when we can.
Glad to help.
Ken

chrystal2277

Thank you so much for your help Aquarist!