Fluval 3+ Filter

[BethK]

I've got this filter for my rio 125

Just a little question, as I am ditsy with filter info

It says that there is room for carbon, now, would it be better to run carbon in my filter or just leave it as a sponge? What are the 'pro's and con's'?

 

[Mo1959]

Hi Beth. I am currently cycling my 125 litre tank with the Fluval U4 and took out the carbon and replaced it with a sponge straight away. Don't think you really need the carbon unless you are actively trying to remove something from your water, ie medications, tannins, etc.

Another piece of sponge instead is always another place for your bacteria to build up. I believe the carbon sponges also need replaced quite regularly too or they start to leach everything they have absorbed back in to your water if they are left too long.

 

[BethK]

ah ok, thanks for that x

 

[arobinson1984]

Mo is correct, carbon is primarily used for removing either medications or tannins from the water so its always handy to have some in stock but it isnt a sponge you would run in the filter 24/7.

Carbon tends to lose its effectivness after about 3-5 days, after which it basically becomes another sponge for bacteria to grow on.

You dont NEED carbon to remove medications from water, a good old fashion large water change will have the same effect


Andy

 

[BethK]

ah ok, i'll just stick with the black sponges then lol

 

[BethK]

just remembered with fluval that their black sponges are the carbon ones

 

[Curiosity101]

Oh n a fluval 3 plus seems a bit small for a 125l to me... Just keep an eye on it and make sure the flow doesn't drop too low. Personally I'd only ever run a fluval 3+ in up to an 80l. Had one in my 60l which was great, seemed to really lack power and water movement in my 125 though (and for the record it was new and regularly cleaned).

 

[BethK]

I might just keep my current sponge filter running along side the 3+ then, if that equals the balance?

 

[Curiosity101]

Well it's not filter media capacity that I would ever see as an issue. Just the water movement as dead spots can be a pain. Just keep an eye on it, it depends how many plants you have, decor... where you put the filter etc.

You may have no issues. But with your tank being quite well planted it's definitely something I'd keep an eye on.

 

[BethK]

ah ok

I have an air-bubble bar that seems to agitate the surface, think that will help?

I haven't made the filter switch over yet, I want to use the media from the filter in my QT tank (only if the apistos in the QT pass with flying colors).