How Do I Remove Carbon From Mesh Filter?

[poopsydrew]

Hey all,
My sword tail just came down with ich. I moved him into a hospital tank. I dont have the water parameters but it is fully cycled (sorry i get it tested at lfs). Anyway, i have already bumped up the temp to 82 f. I know i need to remove the carbon, however, how do i get the carbon out of one of those blue filters that are disposable and permantley sealed? Do i just cut it open and then try to close it? Please help if you can, i need to treat asap as he is not looking great. Thank you.

Drew

 

[wendywc]

Here's what I'd do... I'd just remove the entire filter cartridge, but leave the filter itself running and do a water every day or every other day. If you want, you can buy some blue filter floss and cut it to fit so you can use that instead. Or buy a mesh bag so you can put in whatever other filter media you'd want.

 

[Christine1014]

well that would work, but then you've got an uncycled tank. Just take a knife or scissors and cut the bottom of the bag (is it one of thoes bio bag things?) open and shake all the carbon out. You dont' have to worry about closing it... there's nothing in there anymore so it wouldn't really serve any purpose to close it. Lots of people don't even use carbon in their filters at all, so just leave it be, when it gets grimmy, rinse it in old tanmk water, and plop it back in the filter.

 

[poopsydrew]

well that would work, but then you've got an uncycled tank. Just take a knife or scissors and cut the bottom of the bag (is it one of thoes bio bag things?) open and shake all the carbon out. You dont' have to worry about closing it... there's nothing in there anymore so it wouldn't really serve any purpose to close it. Lots of people don't even use carbon in their filters at all, so just leave it be, when it gets grimmy, rinse it in old tanmk water, and plop it back in the filter.

Thanks to both of you for the advice!
I decided to just take it out quickly cut it on the side and dump out the carbon then fold it back and put it back in. As for the tank recycling, the filter also has one of those bio filter things hat stays in permantley so i think i am ok. I also didnt use any tap water to remove the carbon, just took it out quickly. Do you guys still think i should do water changes every other day? Will that not remove some of the medication? I am treating every night for at least 10 days if that helps. thank you so much!

Drew

 

[bmcelfresh]

The med brand that I use states that you do not have to remove the carbon if it's over six days old. Is this the case? If so, I would not worry. If it's a new filter then I would cut the bottom or run without. I ran without in my med tank, but made a little sponge filter. Works great for a few days of treatment. However, if this fish has been in with others and you're just seeing it on him, it might be wise to treat your entire tank. Ick is a parasite that can live in the gravel, etc... Knock wood, but I have not had ick in a while, but once spotted I treat the whole tank.

 

[Christine1014]

I'm not sure about the water changes; If it doesn't say to do it on the directions for the meds, then I probably wouldn't -- but with that I'll add - knock on wood - I've also never had to give meds, so I'm not particularly knowledgeable in this area!

 

[poopsydrew]

Unfortunatley, it DID say to remove the carbon, so i had to. I still am unsure as to how often i should do water changes while medicating? I understand ich lives in almost all tanks, but the fishes immune system can usually handle it. My swordtail must have been stressed. I do not want to treat the tank he was in as i have many fish that are intolerant to the medication (corys, african dwarf frog) I am however going to up the temp in the tank he was in and do a frequent water changes throughout the week. The others are not showing any symptoms yet but i will keep a close eye. any suggestions?

Drew

 

[wendywc]

Since you have a biowheel, there's definately no need for small changes. Just take out the filter amd you're perfect... I love that about biowheels. Anyway, you have it covered.

 

[poopsydrew]

Since you have a biowheel, there's definately no need for small changes. Just take out the filter amd you're perfect... I love that about biowheels. Anyway, you have it covered.

Wendy,
thanks once again for coming to my rescue!! I owe you like 5 million now lol! Anyway, I hope he pulls through and i think i have it covered thanks to all of your help! Thanks again, i will let you know tomorrow how he is doing. BTW, this is my first experience with ich, and it sucks lol.

Drew

 

[wendywc]

^^^^^^^ I don't think I was much help compared to others on this thread. Good luck with the ich.

 

[poopsydrew]

Yes, i hope i did mention i appreciate everyones help!! (I think i did...) anyway, thanks to all for helping me treat my fish.

Drew