Changing Filters Often

[kpris]

I've got a carbon filter at the moment which i was told i needed to change every 6-8 weeks... but then i was also told that i shouldn't change my filter so often because it would kill the bacteria needed for the nitrogen cycle. But i assumed that was just for the sponge filters?
It's been around 2 weeks since i've had fish and 2 weeks before that where i had just kept the filter running with conditioned water, do those two weeks count? Should i keep just getting carbon filters and changing them or should i just replace it with a sponge and rinse it every once in a while? Which would be best for the fish?

 

[Rooster]

The bits you are called "filters" are known as 'media' the filter is the actual housing and pump.
For a filter (as a whole unit) to be effective,, it noy only "filters" out particles but also houses several types of useful bateria - which break down harmful fish waste. Have a search for the "nitrogen cycle".
This bacteria needs a little care and nurture... we call the establisment of this colony the "cycle" ... you can build the colony either with, or without fish... current fashion is for fishless - again there are articles on the board well worth a read.
All this happens inside your sponge media - sponge providing a huge surface area.
Carbon media is not used full time, its usually limited to the removal of medications - and becomes depleted over a few weeks... I have been keeping fish for over 40 years, and have to think hard as to when I have used it !

The sponge media only needs a rinse when it becomes blocked.... you will notice a reduction in filter flow, and then ONLY IN USED TANK WATER... during a weekly water change if and when needed, just give it a few squeezes in a bucket of syphoned water.
NEVER NEVER EVER even show it tap water... the chlorine will kill all the useful bacteria we try so hard to maintain ! It takes weeks, or even months to get to optimum "quality" and will be killed in seconds !

Depending on what you filter type is (external, internal or air powered etc) you might like to leave out the carbon, and replace the space with some other media...
We can advise further when you tell us your filter type.

Welcome to the board, and a lifelong hobby... theres good support on here, wish I had it when I started !

 

[CLOSSIE]

One thought to consider. If the carbon you are refering to us one of the carbon activated sponges, some people say that even after the carbon has done its job, unless you really need to, you can leave the sponge in your filter and it will begin acting like any other sponge with the added benefit or already holding bacteria.

 

[backtotropical]

Hi Clossie,

What you say is correct, the carbon sponge would act as biological filtration media (ie. it would act as a normal sponge by housing the beneficial bacteria), however activated carbon has a limited life and once it's life is finished, it may leach impurities back into your water, so it is definitely best removed for the health of your fish.

You could replace it with a normal sponge which would do the same job, but would not have the risk of killing your fish.

Hope this helps.

BTT

 

[Snooks1!]

Just a thought though.....Would any sort of sponge work? ( Cut to size and what-not of course )

 

[Matt_northants]

Well you would have to be certain that it is safe to use in the aquarium as "any old sponge" could leach plasticizers etc into you water and kill you fish. Is the risk worth it for a couple of quid?

 

[backtotropical]

Thanks for pointing that out, Matt.

When i say a 'normal sponge', i mean a normal aquarium filter sponge, not any other sponge.

I was merely referring to a sponge which is not laced with activated carbon. I did not make that clear in my previous post.

Thanks Matt.

I would always advise the use of a specifically made aquarium filter sponge, just to be safe.

 

[Snooks1!]

Thanks for pointing that out, Matt.

When i say a 'normal sponge', i mean a normal aquarium filter sponge, not any other sponge.

I was merely referring to a sponge which is not laced with activated carbon. I did not make that clear in my previous post.

Thanks Matt.

I would always advise the use of a specifically made aquarium filter sponge, just to be safe.

Aye, just making sure , I was confused by what you said. It sounded like you were saying that any sponge would work.

 

[kpris]

I lost the URL of the site and completely forgot that i posted XP
Anyway thanks SO much for the help!

Just to be completely clear... You're saying that it's perfectly fine to just remove the carbon filter and leave the sponge in. A healthy tank doesn't necessarily even need the carbon cartridge things?

 

[backtotropical]

Just to be completely clear... You're saying that it's perfectly fine to just remove the carbon filter and leave the sponge in. A healthy tank doesn't necessarily even need the carbon cartridge things?

Correct. You'll find that most people on here don't use carbon in their filter all the time.

It is however used after treating the tank with medication. It removes the medication from the water, but should be taken out of the filter immediately afterwards to avoid the leaching of the meds back into the water when it is not required.

Cheers

BTT