Filter cartridge confusion

I have read so many things about not changing the cartridge in a HOB filter. I've read to rinse it in tank water during water change. I've read to remove the carbon. This confuses me. If you cut it open and remove the carbon, do you just put it back in there like that? If so, what filters the water? The floss covering? Do you put something behind the floss covering? If so, what?

Can someone explain in simple steps what should be done to a filter cartridge if you clean it instead of replacing it?

 

the carbon needs to be replaced every 6-8 weeks. but is not really needed unless you're trying to remove medication.

the floss covering is acting as both mechanical and biological filtration. you can buy some bio media like Fluval Biomax or Seachem Matrix or Biohome, etc. you can also use some small pieces of lava rock. for mechanical filtration you can use polyfill, quilt batting, sheets of foam that you can cut to shape.

here's a good guide:
Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Aquarium Filter Forum | 385506

to clean, take a bucket of the old tank water during your weekly water change, and swish the filter material in the old tank water.

swish, squeeze and rinse in buckets of old tank water

course sponge on bottom, then a layer of polyfill. the polyfill can be reused several times.

then the biomedia on top

 

Cutting proper foam to fit is the wisest option. Using 2 or 3 smaller pieces means you can rinse one at a time. No need for anything but foam.

I consider this stuff the best, but you can just get whatever they have at your LFS.

Poret® Foam Shop - SWISSTROPICALS

 

Cutting proper foam to fit is the wisest option. Using 2 or 3 smaller pieces means you can rinse one at a time. No need for anything but foam.

Hope I don't sound dumb, I've never done this before, so I'm not sure. When you say proper foam, is there a certain kind needed? And what do you do, cut it the size of cartridge and put it under the floss and re-insert?

 

Hope I don't sound dumb, I've never done this before, so I'm not sure. When you say proper foam, is there a certain kind needed? And what do you do, cut it the size of cartridge and put it under the floss and re-insert?

See edit.

You can fit it in your filter without the floss. Make sure water doesn't flow around it or that it is too tight causing flow restriction.

 

See edit.

You can fit it in your filter without the floss. Make sure water doesn't flow around it or that it is too tight causing flow restriction.

This sounds like something simple to do during cleanings/water changes. You basically just take the foam pad out, rinse it in the tank water, and put it back?

 

SMurray , did you check out the link to the filter media thread jtjgg posted above? It explains everything, and has tons of pics and example references.

Please give it a read, it should answer all your questions.