Newbie Question about Filters

So thank you all for all the advice on what filters are good. Now another question.

I'm a pretty busy momma for the most part and I don't want to say I'm not going to put in the effort to help my son have a great tank but.......what filters are out there that I don't have to keep buying new filters. Id rather just have something that maybe I just have to take out and clean rather than replace every month. Is there a filter out there that would only need a replacement part every few months or every 6 months....or not at all?

I don't mind taking the time to clean it and keep it well maintained, I just don't want to have to be running out to get new filters all the time.

Thanks everyone!!!

We can never get

 

If you want cheap but reliable, WalMarts AquaTech 5-15s are great, and are only $10. If you want something of high quality, and that's a bit more versatile, an AquaClear is great, and only costs a bit more.

 

I'm not so much worried about the initial cost of the filter, just the on going cost. Ill spend the money for a good filter.

 

Both filters are good filters, but the AquaClears more versatile, and has more space for media.

There doesn't need to be an on-going cost if you do it right I use only filter sponges in my filters. Lasts forever, and very cheap.

 

I just rinse my media with fish water when I change it and put them right back into the filter. I only change them out when they get so worn that they can not be rinsed (and that hasn't happened yet). I think the manufacturor's lead you to believe they need to be changed monthly when in fact you shouldn't. It causes more cycling problems than not. Believe me I used to be a filter changer.... never again.

 

I just rinse my media with fish water when I change it and put them right back into the filter. I only change them out when they get so worn that they can not be rinsed (and that hasn't happened yet). I think the manufacturor's lead you to believe they need to be changed monthly when in fact you shouldn't. It causes more cycling problems than not. Believe me I used to be a filter changer.... never again.

Same here lol Used to change the carbon inserts WEEKLY on my AquaTech!

 

I just rinse my media with fish water when I change it and put them right back into the filter. I only change them out when they get so worn that they can not be rinsed (and that hasn't happened yet). I think the manufacturor's lead you to believe they need to be changed monthly when in fact you shouldn't. It causes more cycling problems than not. Believe me I used to be a filter changer.... never again.

This thread is really interesting. I think I'll be going to the store tomorrow to get some sponge media and start to replace my carbon filter...

Always something new to learn!

 

Yes, manufacturers WANT you to buy filters every month. Twice a month! The more the better!

Aquaclear is as low maintenance as HOBs come. the media is stacked, like a canister, so you can put the carbon on top making it easy to change. A lot of people stick it between the sponge and the biomax, but I don't understand why The media basket pops the top on the filter when the media is clogged and needs to be cleaned. It's a simple, brilliant design.


My filter recommendation is the tom rapids minI canister. It's quieter than any HOB, and is very maintenance free. I don't clean my canisters more than a couple times a year, and since I do not use carbon I don't ever have to open them up. The actual maintenance of a canister is more of a pain than a HOB, but it requires less maintenance which I like.