killifan Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 Excuse my ignorance but are carbon filters the same as the charcoal filter in a hang on back filter? Killifan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killifan Posted October 7, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 i've been reading some back posts which seem to suggest that the carbon isn't really necessary unless ypu need top removwe medication. is this correct? the LFS says to change it about every 3 months or it will cause fish to die. If it's not much use, can I run my filter without it, or is their something else like a block of sponge I could put in the cavity? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 I don't use the carbon and replace it with extra sponges or stuff like Siporax or other bio media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_from_nz Posted October 7, 2004 Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 carbon can pull out as much good as it can bad chemicals. I use it on and off as it has its advantages and disadvantages but from what i understand even the carbon manafacturers say not to run it in a fresh water aquarium all the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killifan Posted October 7, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2004 I don't use the carbon and replace it with extra sponges or stuff like Siporax or other bio media. what is Siporax and "bio media" please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 The stuff you put inside filters for the bacteria to grow on. Siporax is a brand name for stuff (German I think) like ceramic noodles but many people use plastic 'bio balls' which can be bought from your lfs or hair curlers, plastic practise golf balls etc. They all give a large surface area on which the good bacteria can grow and feed. Sponges are a form og bio media too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killifan Posted October 8, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 The stuff you put inside filters for the bacteria to grow on. Siporax is a brand name for stuff (German I think) like ceramic noodles but many people use plastic 'bio balls' which can be bought from your lfs or hair curlers, plastic practise golf balls etc. They all give a large surface area on which the good bacteria can grow and feed. Sponges are a form og bio media too. Thanks, i assume then that they aren't supposed to be washed clean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 Rinse the muck off them, but not dry cleaned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 A quick rinse when the filter flow is lessened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petplanet Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 Carbon is great for getting your water extra clear. Especially any yellowing caused by wood or decaying matter. Well worth using. If left in long term it can leech things back into the water. It would probably never kill your fish. I would replace it one a month if you are going to use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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