Filter Media

[gilaesther]

I have a 10 gallon tank with a hang on Marineland filter with bio wheel. Considering that it has a bio wheel, and the other media is a combination cartridge with the floss and carbon in one cartridge - should I be changing the cartridge once a month? Is the biowheel enough to keep my tank from re-cycling?

The tank is cycled, and has has fish in it for a month.

Thanks!

 

[Billsfan905]

I am very curious as well! I hope someone answers soon.

 

[Aquascaper]

As far as i'm aware filter floss will not have any significant bacterial colony, it's purely there to 'polish' the water and carbon media is not going to house any significant quantities either and is only there to remove unwanted chems so you should be fine to remove them as and when you see fit. The chemical filtration of the tank is done by the biowheel so as long as that's not mess with the tank should be fine

I'm not a huge fan of Biowheels as they are not the most effiecient method of filtration so if it was my tank I would ditch the carbon and replace with a coarse sponge to increase the bacterial colony, only putting in carbon when necessary (ie. to clean up medications, etc.)

HTH

 

[gilaesther]

As far as i'm aware filter floss will not have any significant bacterial colony, it's purely there to 'polish' the water and carbon media is not going to house any significant quantities either and is only there to remove unwanted chems so you should be fine to remove them as and when you see fit. The chemical filtration of the tank is done by the biowheel so as long as that's not mess with the tank should be fine

I'm not a huge fan of Biowheels as they are not the most effiecient method of filtration so if it was my tank I would ditch the carbon and replace with a coarse sponge to increase the bacterial colony, only putting in carbon when necessary (ie. to clean up medications, etc.)

HTH

As I just bought a six pack of the filter cartridges, I'll have to hold onto that idea for a few monthes... or my husband might freak out, lol.

You mean the sponges from the LFS filter aisle, right? And does that act the same way as the floss does to clear the water of particles? And should the sponge be big enough to span from side to side of the inside of the filter?

Also, other than medications, when would carbon be necessary?

Thank you for your help!

 

[phantomlink]

the carbon helps keep the water clear so if its getting cloudy or dirty throw the carbon in. If you use driftwood and have some of the tannins leaking and turning your water brownish, the carbon will help with that as well

 

[Ruskull]

Sorry but I've had Biowheel filters on a few of my tanks & the beneficial bacteria is on the biowheel as well as the filter floss. Don't replace the filter media just add to it. Cut the old one up & put it behind a the new filter cartridge. You can throw the old carbon away.

 

[Aquascaper]

I didn't say there wasn't any bacteria on used filter floss, just not a significant amount, and only suggested replacing the carbon filter media to a sponge to increase the bacterial colony.

Both filter floss and carbon pads need to be changed more frequently than a normal sponge as the filter floss gets dirty quick and the carbon 'runs out' and has no benefit after about a week (water dependant).....add to that the fact you throw both away and replace with fresh media it cannot be classed as an overly important part of the tanks filtration system.
By replacing the carbon with a sponge as suggested this will last indefinitely and will only require the same maintenance as any other sponge in a filter, ie. squeezing in old tank water to remove particulate matter, before being put back in the filtration system with it's bacterial colony intact.

To the OP:
As for when to change the cartridge....change it when the filter floss is totally clogged up as the carbon will have been exhausted anyway and need replaced to be of any use.

If possible try to get a sponge the same size as the carbon or use multiple sponges when you do try the conversion and when it comes time to change the cartridge just swap the filter floss. The sponge will just need to be squeezed clean.

HTH

 

[Ruskull]

My post was not meant to be condescending, just trying to make sure she doesn't start a mini cycle like I did when I first got the biowheel filters and just replaced the cartridge. The larger biowheels have 2 slots so you can change one at a time. Each water change you can just rinse the newer one in tank water & replace the older one if it gets too full grime and the flow slows. The biowheel won't turn if they flow slows down too much so it's a good indicator that it's time to clean the cartridges out a bit.

 

[gilaesther]

My post was not meant to be condescending, just trying to make sure she doesn't start a mini cycle like I did when I first got the biowheel filters and just replaced the cartridge. The larger biowheels have 2 slots so you can change one at a time. Each water change you can just rinse the newer one in tank water & replace the older one if it gets too full grime and the flow slows. The biowheel won't turn if they flow slows down too much so it's a good indicator that it's time to clean the cartridges out a bit.

Thank you! What I've decided to do for now is get a small coarse sponge to put in the small area between the cartridge and the biowheel. That will allow the bacteria to colonize the sponge, while the cartridge collects all the debris. That way replacing the cartridge (I only have room for one in my filter) shouldn't be problematic in terms of causing a mini cycle.

Thank you all for your help and input!

 

[Ruskull]

The sponge idea is a good one, more surface area for the good bacs............

Good luck!