If you have an aquarium with a filter that uses activated carbon, it is a good idea to change the filters on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb for most filters that use slide-in cartridges is to change the filter at least once a month. Rinsing and re-using is not a good idea because activated carbon only lasts so long, and then it doesn’t work anymore.
Activated carbon, sometimes called charcoal, is a chemical absorber and absorbs odors, gases, colors and some dissolved organic compounds from your water. Normally a slide-in carbon cartridge contains only a tablespoon or two of carbon, so it won’t last long in your aquarium filter. It is best to buy a filter that contains quite a lot of activated carbon, as this will remove more pollutants, and last longer too.
If you have a lot of fish or a small aquarium that is overcrowded, or if your water is dirty, it helps to change your filter more often than once a month. If you have a filter such as a Hagen Aqua Clear filter, or a canister filter, you can just change the carbon bag by itself. You can leave the bio beads in the filter, as they contain beneficial bacteria and do not have to be removed. Make sure that you don’t put any chlorinated water on these bio beads. If you have a foam sponge, this can be cleaned in some of the removed fish water.
While you have the filters out, it is not a bad idea to clean your filter’s impellor. This magnetic impellor in the filter’s pump should be cleaned about every 3 to 6 months.
Here are some filter supplies you may find useful:
AquaClear 30 Activated Carbon, 1.5 oz.
AQ-CLEAR 30 CARBON 1PK
AquaClear 30 Activated Carbon (3/Pack)
CANISTER FILTER 160
Tags: Fish & Ponds
