Replacing filter cartridge

[AKelly]

Hi,

I have to replace my filter catridge like every 2 weeks. Is this normal? It is one of those that you just insert into the filter. It gets gunk on one side, then the water doesn't flow through. Am I suposed to clean it somehow and reuse it or just break out a new one???? It says nothing about cleaning the cartridge on the package.

help...

 

[Cherry Barb]

You can rinse out your filter cartridge each time you do a water change. I rinse mine out in the bucket that the used tank water is in. I have been advised against rinsing in normal tapwater because it can disrupt the bacterial growth in my bio-wheels. Once rinsed you should get a couple more weeks use out of it. (Depending on your fish bio-load of course.) I do weekly water changes so my cartridge gets rinsed weekly and changed at least once a month. You can usually tell pretty easily if you need to actually change it.

Hope this helps.

Rose

 

[QTOFFER]

You're a filter-manufacturer's dream-come true!

Same thing happens to my Penhuin mini cartridges. I dunk the filthy cartridge in a bucket of old tank water and gently wipe the pad clean. Then I put the catridge back in the filter and I'm good to go for another 2 - 3 weeks. Eventually (about 3 months), the fibrous pad becomes so thin and stringy, that I have to replace the cartridge.

 

[cginflorida]

But if it's a carbon filter, the carbon wears out in about 4 weeks, doesn't it? If it's the kind you can refill, you can just put in fresh carbon and use the filter until it wears out, like Cherry Barb and QTOffer said.

 

[Menagerie]

Keep in mind, carbon is not neccessary for tanks, so it doesn't matter if the carbon wears out.

 

[QTOFFER]

I I generally don't use carbon unless it's already in the cartridge -- and even then, I really don't give it much thought. However, if you're using a cartridge containing carbon to pull out meds, odors, or discoloration, I guess it would be wise to dump the carbon after 2 - 3 weeks.

 

[cginflorida]

Wow, I learn something new every day here. I love this place.

 

[chasgood]

This pic will give you a idea on how to rebuild the cartridge and save $$$$$.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4454&password=&sort=1&cat=543&page=1