Filter Questions

[Claire121]

Hiya

I have a Fluval U3 and their diagrams (on the leaflet) always show the ceramic media container being choc a bloc full of ceramic beads whereas what you actually get with the filter barely half fills the container.

Is there a reason it is only half full and would there be any benefit or harm in buying extra beads to top it up - might it slow the flow down ?

Second question - their literature indicates that filters should be changed every X weeks or months. I recall it being said that it was not necessary to change as frequently as the manufacturers said but I can't find out how often they should be changed. I have a carbon filter, a sponge filter and ceramic beads.

Finally, my fishless cycling has taken 8 weeks so far and is not yet finished, should I do anything with the filters before adding fish ?

Thanks so much

Claire

 

[fluttermoth]

You can get more of that ceramic media or something that will do (I've got small noodles in mine) in your LFS; it's annoying that it comes like that *sighs*

I took out the carbon inserts altogether, and run either a layer of floss or an extra sponge in there

There's no need to do anything to your filters before you get fish; they're best left alone for the first week or two, you'll just need to do a large water change to get rid of the nitrate that will have built up.

 

[Gilli]

I put extra ceramics in mine as I have a large tank and it allows extra surfaces for the bacteria. It may slow the flow a little but not much so go ahead and buy some more. You dont need to ever change them, nor do you need to replace the sponges for years and years if ever unless they disintegrate! All you do is gently rinse them in USED tank water NEVER tap water or you will kill all you benifcial bacteria and will have to recycle all over again.same if you decide to replace any media for any reason - you do it a little at a time over a period of weeks not all at once to allow the bacteria to grow on the new media and catch up. Your filter and media will only need cleaning about once a month or if the flow lessens. Just dunk media in used tank water and gently swish round to wash out any gunk.Same for your filter box.

You dont really need the carbon filter - its only really useful if you have to dose the tank with meds. I never use one but if you want to if you need to dose with meds take the carbon out as it will filter out all the meds - you can use it to filter out any meds after the dose is over.

No need to do anything to the filters before adding fish. When you add your fish just make sure you keep testing your water to make sure all is well. Good luck!

 

[Claire121]

Thanks so much for advice ! Really helpful to know the carbon filter will take out any meds - I hadn't heard that before.