Switch to non-carbon?

I've heard that it's better to use the filter pads that don't have carbon because you can just rinse them off in dechlorinated water and put it back in without losing the bacteria on it, but with the carbon ones, you have to throw them out every month. (Mine he clogged if I don't) Should I switch to the pads that you cut to fit? Thanks.

 

Yes, I would switch to the pads and also get bio balls and ceramic rings if you have the room as they provide more surface area for your bacteria colony. They would last longer than those carbon filter pads.

You don't want to switch them out right away though. Cut out the floss surrounding the cartridges and place them next to the new media for at least 2-3 weeks before removing the old floss.

 

What kind of filter do you have? In my experience, the carbon is separate from the filter pad....You should have BOTH..... edit...are we talking about cartridges?

I don't use carbon in any of my tanks. I don't think it is necessary. But many people use it religiously. And I am sure they have good reasons. But I personally don't use carbon and all of my tanks are just fine without it.

 

Yes, I would switch to the pads and also get bio balls and ceramic rings if you have the room as they provide more surface area for your bacteria colony. They would last longer than those carbon filter pads.

You don't want to switch them out right away though. Cut out the floss surrounding the cartridges and place them next to the new media for at least 2-3 weeks before removing the old floss.

Ok. What exactly are bio balls and ceramic rings?

 

I have no carbon in my filter pads I cut and took them out.

 

I have no carbon in my filter pads I cut and took them out.

I'll probably just get the sponges since it's so much cheaper than the actual cartridges.

 

I have no carbon in my filter pads I cut and took them out.

Ditto for me, too! I cut the filter pads, get all the carbon out, then inset the filter pad into its slot in the filter. I did this 4+ yrs ago with one tank, and 3+ years ago with the other, and I'm still using the same filter pads in my filters (just swish them around in old tank water from time to time when doing a water change to get the gunk off).

 

Lol I have a sponge filter by my canister. I love sponge filters! Cheap and works amazing

 

I'll probably just get the sponges since it's so much cheaper than the actual cartridges.

What kind of filter are you using?

 

What kind of filter are you using?

Quiet flow 50? I think. The cartridges are like really expensive though.

 

Quiet flow 50? I think. The cartridges are like really expensive though.

Why do you have to throw out your current cartridges? They want you to replace the ones with carbon because over time, the carbon is no longer effective. But if you don't care about having carbon...then...who cares if it is no longer effective? It doesn't harm the tank at all having "expired" carbon in the filter pad. If the cartridge itself is still in good shape, keep using it!

I use marineland filters and those cartridges have carbon in them too. But I just keep rinsing them in tank water when needed, until they fall apart and truly need replacing....I don't care that the carbon is no longer doing anything...I didn't really need it in there to begin with! But that is how those companies get you....they make you think you need to replace WAY before you need to....

 

Why do you have to throw out your current cartridges? They want you to replace the ones with carbon because over time, the carbon is no longer effective. But if you don't care about having carbon...then...who cares if it is no longer effective? It doesn't harm the tank at all having "expired" carbon in the filter pad. If the cartridge itself is still in good shape, keep using it!

I use marineland filters and those cartridges have carbon in them too. But I just keep rinsing them in tank water when needed, until they fall apart and truly need replacing....I don't care that the carbon is no longer doing anything...I didn't really need it in there to begin with! But that is how those companies get you....they make you think you need to replace WAY before you need to....

Mine get clogged. Like some stuff goes all the way through the pad and gets stuck in the carbon. Then, the water doesn't go through the pad at all, it all goes over it or off to the side. That is what has happened to the one I have right now, and the water is raising so high that it almost overflows. Is there a way to remove the carbon?

 

Mine get clogged. Like some stuff goes all the way through the pad and gets stuck in the carbon. Then, the water doesn't go through the pad at all, it all goes over it or off to the side. That is what has happened to the one I have right now, and the water is raising so high that it almost overflows. Is there a way to remove the carbon?

Sounds like they make pretty crummy cartridges for their filters! That stinks!

 

Sounds like they make pretty crummy cartridges for their filters! That stinks!

Yeah... That's why I'm thinking of just getting a pad without carbon but in the mean time, is there a way to remove the carbon?

 

Yeah... That's why I'm thinking of just getting a pad without carbon but in the mean time, is there a way to remove the carbon?

I'd have to see a pic of this filter pad/cartridge....I am not familiar with them, sorry. Hopefully someone with knowledge/experience with your filter will chime in!!

 

this is it. I was thinking maybe I could just cut it open?

 

this is it. I was thinking maybe I could just cut it open?

Ya, you should be able to do that! I have done that with my marineland ones when I have medicated a tank.

 

Ya, you should be able to do that! I have done that with my marineland ones when I have medicated a tank.

Ok well I'll do that in the mean time and after this one goes I'll just get a non carbon one. Thank you!