Quick questions about kanaplex

[LagerthaM]

I am about to start medicating with kanaplex and I have a few quick questions. I was wondering if I am supposed to turn my filter off and do I need to do a water change after I use kanaplex, if so how long after I administer the kanplex should I wait?

 

[Algonquin]

Never turn your filter off... just remove any carbon media that is in it, or it will just absorb the meds from the water. Kanaplex, in my experience, does not effect the biofilter, so you can leave your regular media in during treatment.

I believe Kanaplex is to be redosed every 48 hours (at which point it is no longer as effective), so before dose 2, do a partial water change. Read the directions on the package to confirm dosing for your specific tank.

Once you are done with the meds completely, which will be 48 hours after the last dose, do another water change (like 50%), then put fresh carbon in your filter to remove any remaining in the water. Do another 50% change the next day as well.

 

[LagerthaM]

Thank you!

 

[Truckjohn]

Let's rephrase what to do with your filter.

Remove the activated carbon out of your current filter element and discardthe active carbon.

THEN rinse the that same (now carbon free) filter element in some water-change discard water and put the element right back into the filter and start treatment.

This will avoid major problems with the tank's nitrogen cycle.

If you chuck the old Filter in the trash or pull it out and let it dry while treating - you will most likely crash your nitrogen cycle.

 

[Algonquin]

LagerthaM, can you please tell us what kind of filter & media you currently have? That would eliminate any confusion!

 

[LagerthaM]

LagerthaM, can you please tell us what kind of filter & media you currently have? That would eliminate any confusion!

Yes, I should have done it in the op. I have an over the back filter and I think it has carbon in it, but I would have to cut the filter open to get the carbon out.

 

[Algonquin]

Inside the filter, is there just a single cartridge - a floss covered one with bits inside it?
If so, yes - you will need to cut the floss, and remove the carbon bits. This is messy - you might want to wear rubber gloves and have some paper towels handy. That floss is what your beneficial bacteria lives in, so don't toss it out! The other option is to cut the floss away from the plastic frame that holds it all together. You don't need the actual frame, and without it, you have more flexibility to fit other stuff into your filter with the floss.

FYI, Carbon isn't necessary on a regular basis - although it is great to use post meds, as in your situation. When you are done with meds, and have run some fresh carbon in the filter for a week, fill the space in your filter compartment with a bag of ceramic rings and some sponge. Be sure to keep the original floss though!

 

[LagerthaM]

Inside the filter, is there just a single cartridge - a floss covered one with bits inside it?
If so, yes - you will need to cut the floss, and remove the carbon bits. This is messy - you might want to wear rubber gloves and have some paper towels handy. That floss is what your beneficial bacteria lives in, so don't toss it out! The other option is to cut the floss away from the plastic frame that holds it all together. You don't need the actual frame, and without it, you have more flexibility to fit other stuff into your filter with the floss.

FYI, Carbon isn't necessary on a regular basis - although it is great to use post meds, as in your situation. When you are done with meds, and have run some fresh carbon in the filter for a week, fill the space in your filter compartment with a bag of ceramic rings and some sponge. Be sure to keep the original floss though!

It was more like two sponges seemed together to make a pouch lined with plastic to give it structure and filled with little black rocks. Thank you for the advice.