Filter Cartridges--what to do?

[ioNightShade]

I have an Emperor 280 that came with my tank. I've had it for a 'lil over a month now and all is well. I have heard different advice from different people and I'm trying to "consolidate" these answers into a more "definitive" one.

The replacement, Marineland cartridges come with "pre-packed" carbon inside. Some people have said that the carbon is unnecessary (what do I do with the carbon already inside?), while others say you should use carbon all the time (some of these people say to change the carbon monthly, while others claim that the effectiveness wears out in mere days).

I have seen "proof" for having carbon around (takes out impurities, cleans water, provides a "substrate" for bacterial colonization, etc.), and even more "proof" that carbon, once "full/aged," will start leeching out the very chemicals it was trying to hold on to, in the first place--resulting in catastrophic disasters.

Some say to replace the cartridges in its entirety every month (they claim the biological component is unaffected due to the presence of the bio-wheel). Others state that the filter IS the biological component and one should just make a slit at the top and pour the carbon out (IF this is true, how long do I use the same filter?....attractive to me purely for financial reasons....but, when it comes to my fishes, money is no object (for the most part .)).

As you can tell, I'm kinda lost. Any, and all, clarification that can be provided would be greatly appreciated by me and others that are just as lost (though not as verbal...).

Confused ,

JT

P.S. Then there is the media basket....oh, what to do? Ammonia absorbing compounds (zeolite, white diamond, etc.)? More carbon? Fill it with filter material? Just replace it with another filter cartridge? *sighs*

JT

P.P.S. I am aware of the need for carbon after medication, etc. I am not doing any medicating and I fully understand that process/logic/whatever. Some of the questions above pertain to the use (or not to use) of carbon during the interim periods.

JT

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Bacteria need lots of surface area to grow on. Now, ask yourself where in your tank can you find the greatest surface area for you bacteria to grow on? The answer is the gravel.

The filter media is just a place where the starting bacteria can culture, and where most of the water goes through in order to have the nitrites and ammonia removed.

The carbon is there are chemical filtration. The primary use is to remove harmful products (which you most likely don't have) and medications after you are done medicating your tank.

As for the leeching, my research has also stated that the carbon becomes harmful over time.

Overall, filter floss is cheaper, just as effective for biological and mechanical filtration IMO, and it doesn't require constant replacement.

 

[BobK]

I've got an Emperor 400 and I just cut the filter cartridge open and removed the carbon. Carbon is good for removing medication after treatment but isn't necessary to have in your filter all the time. Yes it can house beneficial bacteria but it's better not to have old carbon as you stated it can leach chemicals and compounds back into the water. The people that tell you to replace the cartridge monthly are after your money. Once you remove the carbon just rinse out the cartridge in a bucket of tank water to keep it from clogging and then use it until it starts falling apart. The cartridge also houses the beneficial bacteria in addition to the biowheel. The more the better.

Now I've just put extra filter fiber in the optional media baskets in my 400. I'm considering adding biomax or some other type of ceramic media in them to increase the biofilter capabilities.