Which Do I Need?

[Jacob Da Jew]

I have a Hush Elite 10 Filter which comprises of 3 components:

The mechanical

The Carbon

And the foam.


Now, I've been told that the carbon filter is useless and whats important is the foam filter. Of course, I was informed by a fellow forum member but I just wanted to cover my bases.

So basically, the foam filter is where the bio-media lives and I should not change that. But the carbon I should replace with some "filter floss? "

Is this correct?

Can someone show me a picture of what I should replace the carbon filter with?


Also, checked my stats today and my nitrite, which was 0 yesterday, has gone up to 0.25. Is this normal, and should I do another 50% water change?

ty

J

 

[shroob]

Carbon is useful to remove meds or chemicals from your tank, it does run out and you will have to replace it (if you want to, I think its 6 weeks or something like that, Ive never used it). I just have bio filter to handle the waste better, up to you which you keep.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Jacob Da Jew

This is a pic of a basic filtration set up using an air pump and box filter. The filter floss is the big bag in the middle. I paid $4.99 for this 7 oz. bag at Petland Discounts, but they also have a smaller size. It looks like white cotton candy and is the exact same thing that some people use to stuff pillows and toys. If you know someone who sews those items, you can ask them for some. Just make sure it's 100% polyester fiberfill.

 

[Jacob Da Jew]

So do you agree that I should ditch the carbon filter and go with the floss?

How often do I replace the floss? Is it considered a bio-filter or should I just change it when it looks dirty?

Also, why is the nitrite going up, is it because the bio-media isn't mature? Should I do a 50% water change?

TY

J

 

[shroob]

If you use it for bio filter and you need to clean it, rinse it in tank water, never tap water. If you want to replace the floss then I would just do it if it gets really really badly clogged.

 

[Jacob Da Jew]

If you use it for bio filter and you need to clean it, rinse it in tank water, never tap water. If you want to replace the floss then I would just do it if it gets really really badly clogged.

Well, I'm going to continue using the foam as my bio filter and behind the foam filter I want to insert the floss. I guess I'll just change it I go along.

Anyways, can someone please answer my query about the rising nitrite level and water changes ?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Jake

When in doubt, always do a water change. It's probably still going to take a while for your tank to finish cycling, so this is normal. Water changes will slow the process some, but keeps the tank much safer for the fish.

About the filtration.........

Beneficial bacteria live on all the surfaces of your tank, but most are in the filter. A fair amount will grow in the first inch or so of gravel, where the oxygen can reach it. Filter floss is a better medium for holding this bacteria because, since it is composed of many tiny strands, it has more surfaces. Since it's polyester, a small handful can last for a long time (think maybe a year) and will get get ugly looking before it wears out. This is not a problem as long as you continue to rinse it out in used tank water when needed, which is just before it slows down the flow of water through it.

NEVER replace all your filter media at the same time.

 

[backtotropical]

Hi Jacob,

The main purpose of filter floss is to catch particles before the water gets to your foam. This is so your foam will not get dirty and you wont have to clean it and you wont lose any bacteria when cleaning it.

Just rinse or replace the filter floss when it gets dirty.

Bear in mind that due to its purpose, it must be placed in the filter in a position where the water passes through it before it gets to your foam.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Jake

The main purpose of filter floss is to catch particles before the water gets to your foam. This is so your foam will not get dirty and you wont have to clean it and you wont lose any bacteria when cleaning it.

Well, I'm going to continue using the foam as my bio filter and behind the foam filter I want to insert the floss. I guess I'll just change it I go along.

Good idea, but the bacteria don't know where you want them to live, so they cling to all the surfaces in the filter. If you throw out part of the media, whichever part it is, you are losing that percentage of the beneficial bacteria. True, the bacteria live on other surfaces, but most of them are in the filter. Also true, they will regenerate if they have plentiful food and oxygen.

Rinsing media, if done in water removed from the tank, will not cause you to lose much bacteria because they are clinging to the surfaces, not living in the dirt, but it is important to do this quickly and keep the media under water. Throwing it away is another matter. It's best to do it in stages to avoid putting your tank into a mini-cycle