Carbon cartridge

[Convict2161]

How often should I replace the carbon in my cartridge? I have the marineland pro series 280, the 3 stage filter. Bio wheel, carbon cartridge and filter. So.... When do you change out the carbon for a fresh batch.

 

[MonsterfishGuy]

Do you have natural plants?

How many fish in the tank??

How many gal in the tank??

How often do you change water??

 

[jcolon]

Generally there's no need for carbon except for removing meds ... experienced aquarists usually don't add carbon to their filters. Although I don't have a marineland pro series 280, in your case, I'd say let it be and eventually when the carbon's chemical filtration gets "used up" it becomes part of the biological filtration. See the link below for some more info on carbon filtration.

Activated Carbon In Aquarium | Aquariums Life

 

[Convict2161]

Thanks guys. Yeah I'm not experienced, I'm just starting out so I figured if it came with it use it. As for my tank it's a 30 gallon with 3 cichlids that my friend gave me. No real plants and do a 25% or 50% depending on what comes back after testing. And that is done right now every week. Having issues right now with PH but from reading and asking questions it sounds like it may not be much of a problem afterall. I'm learning pet stores(certain ones anyway) want your water ideal in every aspect. But I read convicts have a wide range 6-8 my PH now is 6.8.

 

[MonsterfishGuy]

Woohoo no diagnostic about his needs and there is the answer!!!!