Aqua Clear Filters

[jlbfish]

Is the Charcoal really a waste with the AquaClear Filters? We have 3 2 20's and a 50. One of the 20's has had the same sponge since January. I am worried about changing the sponge with a cycled tank.

How often does the charcoal need to be replaced?

Curious what is the best way with the sponge n stuff?

Squish the old sponge in with the new sponge? And let them run together?

Take the charcoal out and use 2 sponges so one is always 'cycled' at any time?

Thanks
Jana

 

[reefdiver]

Most of the people don't use charcoal, me included, What I do is get some tank water and rinse the sponge and bio rings and put them back. I do a water change weekly but rinse the media every other week.

 

[Terrance]

For a healthy aquarium, charcoal is not needed as long as you do water changes. It can be beneficial for removal of some pollutant, so its not a waste of money. Its benefits does not outweigh the cost.

 

[BigJim]

I only use carbon when I'm trying to remove medications/chemicals from the water.

There's no need to change the sponges. Simply squeeze them out in a bucket of old tank water when you do a PWC. I've been running the same sponges in my filters for a few years now.

 

[Cornstar]

You can save them until you have to use medicine on a tank