filter media

**rpmdj1** · 06-19-2011, 07:22 AM

Hey All
I guess I need some simple answers for this to make sense,
I use whisper filters for all my tanks they all take the same floss plus carbon cartridge plus they all have the sponge type filter that goes in front of the cartridge
I have not replaced any of the cartridges since I set up my tanks 2 or 3 months ago, By everyones suggestion I have rinsed them in used tank water all of that being said, I have read that the carbon or charcoal in the bag is worn out
1 should I dump out the carbon? being that its not doing anything anyway or just leave it alone
thanks

**Spidyman** · 06-19-2011, 07:50 AM

First off just dump carbon after about 3 weeks.
Second just to let you know carbon is not needed in an aquarium. I stopped using it about 2 months ago and my tank looks just as good as before and there is no smell either.

**Cermet** · 06-19-2011, 09:46 AM

I aggree about not needing the carbon BUT don't let the pad dry out!!! when you cut it open to remove the carbon. That pad (filtering parts) contains all your good bacteria that proccesses the fish waste (turns it from toxic to safe until a moderate water change (WC)) and they will all die if the pad drys. Also, only rinise out the "semi-soild waste using old tank water. Water from the tap (unless a home well system) will kill the bacteria due to chlorine compounds.

**imma24** · 06-19-2011, 11:18 AM

Personally, I would just leave the carbon alone unless you have the ability to remove it in order to put more floss or other bio media in there. Used up carbon is not harmful - just won't do anything.

**Fishguy2727** · 06-19-2011, 12:40 PM

The other cartridged he mentioned is the biomedia in a Whisper. Granted there are bound to be lots of bacteria in the floss/carbon cartridges as well, it is not his only media and not the main biomedia.

How long carbon lasts is effected by mant things. The quality of the carbon is a big one, but also the quality of the water. If there isn'y much to take out the carbon will last much longer. So if you haven't added meds, new driftwood, the food is high quality (what are you feeding?), etc. the carbon will last longer.

For the future I would look into a carbonless cartridge for your filter, but that may have to be a DIY cartridge.

**totalaquariumaddict** · 06-19-2011, 12:49 PM

I got some carbon for my filter but after I did some research I'm not going to use it.

**rpmdj1** · 06-19-2011, 04:45 PM

thanks for the replys,Im fairly sure that I bought a box of filters that you have to put the carbon in yourself I mean it comes witht the floss and the carbon only not put together. Also I have read here on the forum to use the cartridges till they fall apart.
thanks again

**dbosman** · 06-21-2011, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by rpmdj1

thanks for the replys,Im fairly sure that I bought a box of filters that you have to put the carbon in yourself I mean it comes witht the floss and the carbon only not put together. Also I have read here on the forum to use the cartridges till they fall apart.
thanks again

And, when one falls apart, use part of it in or on the new cartridge, to seed the new cartridge. Rubber bands or thread will hold it in place.