Fluval u2 get rid of carbon filter?

[Mikeymikerson]

Hi folks,

I got a 2nd hand fluval u2 filter with no media. Can i just order the sponge for each side and bypass the carbon pads. I only ask as replacing carbon pads seems a financial pain in the behind. I have a bjg bag of biomax with it for the middle tray. Would it be ok to use with only the sponge or would I need to bulk it out somehow as no carbon pad would be inserted.

Cheers folks!

 

[86 ssinit]

The sponge is fine alone. Carbon is to remove smells in the tank and meds that were added. No use after that. Your bio-max can’t hurt but it too isn’t needed. Sponge hold the most area for bacteria to grow and is all. That’s needed. An intake sponge cleaned weekly will keep the filter cleaner longer.

 

[Mikeymikerson]

The sponge is fine alone. Carbon is to remove smells in the tank and meds that were added. No use after that. Your bio-max can’t hurt but it too isn’t needed. Sponge hold the most area for bacteria to grow and is all. That’s needed. An intake sponge cleaned weekly will keep the filter cleaner longer.

So would i be ok just buying 2 new replacement sponge pads for each side and leaving it to run like that.

 

[HupGupp]

I'll 2nd the intake sponges. They end up doing most of the work collecting debris and minimize the amount of cleaning the rest of your filter will need. Sponges are all you need internally as well. I'd just add extra internal sponges and maybe floss in place of carbon and ceramics.

 

[86 ssinit]

Yes just the sponges should be all you need. But that is an internal filter that only moves. 140?gph. How big is your tank?

 

[Mikeymikerson]

58 litre. I doubled up the sponges and it runs nice. I was worried it would be too powerful!

 

[RayClem]

Since you purchase a internal filer (Fluval U2), I presume your tank is rather small. Is the tank planted with live plants or just artificial decorations?

Filtration needs to accomplish three functions: mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

The sponge accomplishes mechanical and biological filtration, so as has been mentioned previously, BioMax might not be needed.

BioMax is a porous ceramic medium that provides surface area for beneficial micro-organisms that provide biological filtration.

Carbon can be added to provide chemical filtration. However, carbon accomplishes this by adsorbing indiscriminately. Carbon can remove bad stuff, but at the same time, it absorbs good stuff. If you have live plants in the tank, they can accomplish much of the chemical filtration naturally such that carbon is not needed. If you have only artificial decorations you might want to use carbon as you won't have the benefit of plants.

You should always keep carbon on hand in case your tank develops unusual smells or tints or after medicating the tank. In these unique situations, carbon is unsurpassed in cleaning up the tank. Be sure you have a high grade activated carbon, not charcoal or lesser quality carbon. Persumably, the Fluval carbon is good, but do not assume all carbon is equal.

 

[Mikeymikerson]

Since you purchase a internal filer (Fluval U2), I presume your tank is rather small. Is the tank planted with live plants or just artificial decorations?

Filtration needs to accomplish three functions: mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

The sponge accomplishes mechanical and biological filtration, so as has been mentioned previously, BioMax might not be needed.

BioMax is a porous ceramic medium that provides surface area for beneficial micro-organisms that provide biological filtration.

Carbon can be added to provide chemical filtration. However, carbon accomplishes this by adsorbing indiscriminately. Carbon can remove bad stuff, but at the same time, it absorbs good stuff. If you have live plants in the tank, they can accomplish much of the chemical filtration naturally such that carbon is not needed. If you have only artificial decorations you might want to use carbon as you won't have the benefit of plants.

You should always keep carbon on hand in case your tank develops unusual smells or tints or after medicating the tank. In these unique situations, carbon is unsurpassed in cleaning up the tank. Be sure you have a high grade activated carbon, not charcoal or lesser quality carbon. Persumably, the Fluval carbon is good, but do not assume all carbon is equal.

Loads of valuable information, thankyou. My tank is 58 litre but once hardscape and substrate added it has only took 40 litres of water. I have salvinia at the moment whilst its in fishless cycling. I am looking to add java fern and will also add a couple of artificial decorations from our first tank that our daughter picked.
I will definitely get a couple of carbon filters, as you say, just in case. It wont hurt to have them in the cupboard.

Much appreciated

 

[Mikeymikerson]

Just a thought. I have my filter mounted on the back glass of the tank. Should I mount it on the side glass or does it not make a difference?

 

[StarGirl]

Just a thought. I have my filter mounted on the back glass of the tank. Should I mount it on the side glass or does it not make a difference? View attachment 887785

You will get more all around flow if you move it to the side or in the middle in the back. You will have a dead spot on the left side where it is sitting right now.