Filter media

[AquaBANG]

I purchased a HOB filter for my 33G tank and it has 2 filter pads, one with kind of maze like plastic formations ( for the bacteria to colonize) and the other filter pad has a spongy pouch stuffed with carbon.

I have been running the filter for a month or so and I am sure the carbon is now useless.

Can I just cut open the pouch and remove the carbon bits and replace with some other filter media? If so what media do I put.

I have in mind, getting a sponge pad and stuffing it in, but I am looking for better ideas.

TIA
Sudhir.

[fins_n_fur]

A lot of us don't use carbon at all unless for filtering out the tank after medicating fish. I would think you could remove the carbon and replace the space with filter floss. I think a filter sponge could also work.

[Futureboy]

i have the same sort of thing and did just as you said and put in some filter floss instead

[jbeining75]

Try to take a whisper biobag and stuff it full of biomax. That is what I do with my two filters that are not Aquaclears.... Just a big ole biological filter and the white foam outside will grab debris. Just shake it off once a month or so in tank water during the water change.

[67GTO]

I think that in the past carbon was probably over used, but it seem seems that lately carbon has been maligned. There are toxins that (at least at sea level) cannot be removed with purely biological filtration. Ipso facto, a monthly use of carbon for a day or two seems to be (IMO) not a bad idea.

Arguments?

Chuck

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, the carbon is useless, replace it with more floss or some ceramic rings