Remove Filter Carbon If It's Really Old When Medicating?

[Rynofasho]

I have a Penguin 100 that's been running for months and months -- probably at least 5. It's my QT tank, and sure enough the new stock came down with Ich which I'm now treating.

Should I remove the filter insert that has carbon in it? I know they lose effectiveness quickly so I didn't know if it REALLY mattered or not.

 

[Rynofasho]

Anyone? Bueller. . . Bueller??

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Leave it in now 5 months in will have some nice bacteria on it

 

[The chilly dipper]

Anyone? Bueller. . . Bueller??

you really dont need carbon filtration and i can bet you that the carbon in your filter is dead and ineefective ...leave it in there it will not take out the medication at this late stage.

but when using meds, be carefull as they may kill your bacs

 

[Rynofasho]

I know I dont 'need' it, but the filter inserts all come with it in there. I just took out the insert, cut the back off, rinsed all the carbon out, put filter floss in there instead with the sponge and pushed it together and slid it back in. I'm sure the carbon still has some level of effectiveness so I may as well remove it if it is easy enough.

 

[The chilly dipper]

I know I dont 'need' it, but the filter inserts all come with it in there. I just took out the insert, cut the back off, rinsed all the carbon out, put filter floss in there instead with the sponge and pushed it together and slid it back in. I'm sure the carbon still has some level of effectiveness so I may as well remove it if it is easy enough.

nice idea with the floss

 

[raptorrex]

I have a Penguin 100 that's been running for months and months -- probably at least 5. It's my QT tank, and sure enough the new stock came down with Ich which I'm now treating.

Should I remove the filter insert that has carbon in it? I know they lose effectiveness quickly so I didn't know if it REALLY mattered or not.

no need for carbon, except for removing meds!

replace the carbon section with some real media

 

[loraxchick]

Although there is not really a need to run carbon except for removing meds etc but after 5 months its effectiveness is spent ( after less than a week actually when brand new). Right now as mentioned above just more media surface area for good bacs. By removing it you'll lose some of your bac colony. If the total carbon is less than 1/3 the total media in the filter go ahard and replace with another media, such as sponges. If not leave it where it is or risk mini cycle( although bacs replenish quickly once established in the filter).
Personally id leave it. Use fresh carbon if you need to remove meds.
cheers

 

[Rynofasho]

Ok. As the carbon is built into the sponge, I cut the insert open and removed the sponge for good measure. I added filter floss and left the sponge in too. There's also a biowheel on these filters so I'm good there too. Thanks!