Need New Filter!

[Gurglar]

I need to get a new filter for my 35 gallon because none of the pet stores in my area sell the replacement cartridges for the ones I got.

I don't wanna spend more then $90 dollars (Thats Australian dollars by the way). Can anyone recommend some that nearlly every pet shop sells the cartridges for?

Would prefer hang ons but some might not fit my aquarium, so cannisters would be good as well.

 

[celaeno]

what filter do you have now?

 

[Torrean]

you could try making your own cartridges. Really all you need to do is find some nylon pillow stuffing or non cellulose based sponges (something that won't rot will hold together and is aquarium safe). Cut that stuff to fit and cram it in. The carbon is not really worth replacing if that's why your changin your cartridge. It's only really needed when your done treating with meds or if you spill something in the tank. It removes poisons and contaminants. Something else you could do is cut open or just open (depending on your cartridge) the cartridge you have now and removing the cartridge then just put the old cartridge back. When your water starts to backflow (flow out of the filter from around the intake rather than through the filter media) take out your cartridge rinse it in tank water and put it back in. You really don't need to replace cartridges unless you need fresh carbon for whatever reason or the cartridge is literally fallin apart.

as to what sort of filter is popular. Lotsa people have whispers.

 

[Gurglar]

what filter do you have now?

2 Resun hang ons.

you could try making your own cartridges. Really all you need to do is find some nylon pillow stuffing or non cellulose based sponges (something that won't rot will hold together and is aquarium safe). Cut that stuff to fit and cram it in. The carbon is not really worth replacing if that's why your changin your cartridge. It's only really needed when your done treating with meds or if you spill something in the tank. It removes poisons and contaminants. Something else you could do is cut open or just open (depending on your cartridge) the cartridge you have now and removing the cartridge then just put the old cartridge back. When your water starts to backflow (flow out of the filter from around the intake rather than through the filter media) take out your cartridge rinse it in tank water and put it back in. You really don't need to replace cartridges unless you need fresh carbon for whatever reason or the cartridge is literally fallin apart.

as to what sort of filter is popular. Lotsa people have whispers.

Would I be able to use a brand new house hold sponge?

 

[Torrean]

it depends on what it's made of. if it's cellulose based then no. You could cut a larger filter cartridge to fit into your filter.

 

[Tolak]

Watch it with the kitchen sponges, many are treated with anti-bacterial chemicals. This is great for in the kitchen, but bad for the tank.

Household sponges are closed cell foam, as opposed to open cell foam. Closed cell hoilds water, and impedes flow. Open celll won't hold water, water flows through freely.

Go to a fabric store & get cheap cushion foam. The cheapest is open cell, and isn't treated with fire retardants.