Simple filter question

First off, I'd like to say I have read so much great information on this site, kudos to all.

So I've had my 10 gallon starter kit from Petco set up and running since the end of February. I still use the cheap HOB filter that came with it. It only has the one media cartridge as most of you may know. The past couple of weeks I decided to add some plants. I have a Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Scarlet Temple, Anacharis (sp), Argentine Sword, and Dwarf Hair Grass (which I might be removing). Also, I have 5 Neon Tetras, and 2 Cory Cats.

My question is, what do I do about the carbon filter cartridge? Do I just leave in the one that's been in there and rinse it with tank water, or do I replace it and cut the carbon out of the new cartridge? Or is there another alternative with this small filter? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.



This is my tank right now. It's a bit messy and I need to move some plants around.

 

What I do with my 10 Gallon Hang on the back filters is change the cartridge once a month. So after 4 weeks I replace the cartridge. By 4 weeks the carbon is pretty useless because I don't think it can absorb up any more toxins, although it could help some with beneficial bacteria growth. If I were you, I would Buy cartridges for the filter. Anyway, your tank is Beautiful! martini4 the colors looks so nice.

 

Just wash the cartridge with tank water when you do a water change. You can keep using the same cartridge indefinitely until it pretty much falls apart. I wouldn't worry about the carbon at all. It's completely unnecessary unless you want to remove meds or something of that nature out of your water.

 

I always keep carbon in my tanks. Never replace the media unless its falling apart! Especially when you only have 1 cartridge in your filter. If you remove that you'll cause your tank to cycle again or minI cycle if you're lucky.

If you cannot remove the cartridge, cut a small V shape on the top and pour out as much carbon as possible and give the sponge a good squeeze and shake in old tank water. Replace the carbon. And put the filter media back.

Can you take a photo of the top view of the inside of your filter? I suggest adding at least some bio media to help with your tank colony and bioload.

 

There should be a clip on the top of the cartridge if it is like the ones that I bought. Remove the clip and there should be a plastic frame inside. Once a month just dump out the old carbon and put new in if you want to use carbon and put the clip back on rinse in clean dechlorinated water or old tank water then put it back in. When it finally does break or fall apart then just put the fabric behind the new cartridge in the filter and leave it there. Alison

 

I was afraid the carbon would remove the ferts I use for the plants before they utilized it. I'll take a pic of the filter tonight when I get home from work. Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

Carbon generally removes organics and medications. If any ferts are absorbed, it will be miniscule.

 

This is my filter

I've been watching videos on DIY canister filters and if/when I get a 55 gallon setup I plan on building one for it

 

That filter actually looks like it has a lot of stuff in it. I think the blue thing is a bio media?

Carbon doesn't take out your ferts.

Canister filters are always great!

 

When I first setup my tank, being in a rush to get it all up and running, I forgot to put the little tube on the intake of the filter. I added 2 Cories about a week later and one disappeared the first night. I looked everywhere and couldn't find him. About a month later I changed out the filter cartridge and I saw a Cory body stuck on that blue part. I lifted the blue thing and the body flowed into the the tank so I grabbed my net to scoop him out and give him a burial....and he swam away!! He was still alive! In the filter for a month! He has since passed along with 3 platies and an oto, not sure what happened some sort of spike probably. I didn't have a test kit then.

 

If you prefer to buy and replace cartridges, never completely repace the new one and throw out the old s you will lose most of your beneficial bacteria...I used to have this same filter. I would remove old cartridge amd put new one in...then I would simply put the old one behind the new one (there is not a slot, but I would just drop it back there) I typically left the old one for at least 2 weeks so it could help "seed" the new cartridge and prevent an ammonia spike