Filter Pads?

[Joinerlavin]

Got a new filter, but I dont know what pads to put in, I am getting the aquarium ready for the cycle, There are 2 white foam pads allready in the filter, and i also have a small cotton like pad and some small carbon pads?


What should i put in??

 

[Athena]

The carbon filter is what you would put in after using medications for fish illness - it helps eliminate the meds/dyes from the tank - so you don't need to put that in from now.

The other pad...not sure exactly what it is from your description but if it is the polyester pad then that is used for a quick fix to help clear the tank of tiny particles to get the water clear again (e.g. if it became dirtied by overfeeding) and once used you would then remove it and replace with normal filter sponge. But never remove both normal sponge filters at the same time as this is where all the good bacteria will grow.

Athena

 

[Joinerlavin]

ok thanks

 

[MHunt]

The polyester filter pad should fit between the two sponges so you don't need to remove the filter sponges.

 

[Joinerlavin]

yea i just read through the hard to read instructions with the tiny writing, How long do the filters last once there is fish in? Both polyester and Large normal white ones (sorry I dont know what they are called).

 

[smegforbrains]

The normal foam pads will last months before they need changing, just a gentle squeeze out in a bowl of tank water once a week is required.

The polyester pads, I change once a month as they start to fall apart after about that length of time.

 

[Joinerlavin]

thanks alot

 

[petertr]

You'll probably never change the larger sponges - I certainly didn't. Just give ONE a good clean out in water taken from the tank when you notice the flow rate is dropping (then the other one next time round) [Or you can do them alternatively every 2-3 weeks if its easier for you]

The "Filter Floss" is to give an extra polish to the water - it helps keep it looking extra clean - but they only last a few weeks and need to be replaced.


Put the carbon one away, you won't need it unless you need to remove meds from the water.

 

[MHunt]

I just do both and it's caused me no problems that I can attribute to it. The fluval internals are pretty good internals in my experience so you should be fine.

Edit - Again I've never replaced my filter sponges, unless they start to fall apart you'll always be able to make them usable, and in any case you'll loose all the good bacteria in them.

 

[pippoodle]

i never replace filter sponges (unless they are falling apart)only rinse them in tank water (from a water change) once a month
but i clean the power heads and replace the filter floss every week

i only ever use carbon to remove any tannings - if i add new wood ( i like the colour hubby dont so depends who wins the tannings argument lol)
or if i need to remove meds from the tank other than that i use sponges , floss and noodles in my internal fluval , internal filstar and internal juwel filters
, in my internal stingray i use sponges , floss and bio balls (in the bits where the stingray designed things should go)