Filter Question

[ant0]

hey, when i bought my tank a couple of months ago it came with a filter, heater and filter bags like these: link There were two in the box and i've already replaced one about a month ago, so its probably about time to change it again

my question is this: what do you guys use in your filters? If i'd done my research more befor ebuying no doubt I'd know this by now Basically i've seen bits of activated carbon and some bags in my LFS for filters. This would save a lot of money over buying branded tetra stuff. Is this all I need? There is also a black mesh filter infront of the activated carbon bag...

thanks for any advice

 

[raptorrex]

hey, when i bought my tank a couple of months ago it came with a filter, heater and filter bags like these: link There were two in the box and i've already replaced one about a month ago, so its probably about time to change it again

my question is this: what do you guys use in your filters? If i'd done my research more befor ebuying no doubt I'd know this by now Basically i've seen bits of activated carbon and some bags in my LFS for filters. This would save a lot of money over buying branded tetra stuff. Is this all I need? There is also a black mesh filter infront of the activated carbon bag...

thanks for any advice

well it would seem that sponges are most common in Internal filters, you rinse them out every so often, but they last for ages, years is not unknown. carbon is not really the best filter medium. though it is good for removind meds. i cant speak for your filter. but the need to change contents seems to be more about selling you things, as opposed to being good for your fish. indeed removing and throwing away filter medium, is in most cases BAD for your tank and fish.

 

[ant0]

I see, I've changed it now so i guess i'll watch out for the ammonia/ nitrite. So it's fine to leave the same sponge/ activated carbon for ages?

 

[raptorrex]

I see, I've changed it now so i guess i'll watch out for the ammonia/ nitrite. So it's fine to leave the same sponge/ activated carbon for ages?

well i would replace the carbon filter with a standard type, but yes sponges can last for years, just dont squeeeze and wring the life out of them when cleaning, a gental but through rinse in old tank water will do.