| Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance Fishtank Forum for the discussion of maintenance practices in a Freshwater environment. This includes questions on testing parameters, performing water changes, cleaning algae, replacing substrates, moving tanks, and any other maintenance related tasks for Freshwater aquariums. | 
10-25-2006, 02:53 PM
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#1 | | Betta
Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Newton, MA
Posts: 7
|  Charcoal Filter/ Bio Bag
How often should these be change?
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10-25-2006, 03:14 PM
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#2 | | Super MOD 3000 Posts
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 804
| I do not use bio bags, however I do keep some ceramic stars in my canister filter. They have been there three years.
I also find no reason to use charcoal on a consistent basis. IME, Activated Charcoal, depending on the DOC in the water, is effective for up to four to five days, sometimes less.
Regards,
Jay | |
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10-25-2006, 04:07 PM
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#3 | | Guppy
Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gainesville, Fl
Posts: 19
| If charcoal only lasts a few days then why is it a popular part of many filters?
__________________
3 Gallon
Pico Reef
29 Gallon
Planted | |
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10-25-2006, 09:06 PM
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#4 | | Super MOD 3000 Posts
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 804
| Quote: |
If charcoal only lasts a few days then why is it a popular part of many filters?
| Hmm...good question 
"Popular" from the point of view of the seller or buyer? 
IMO it serves a valuable function, for limited and occasional use.
Regards,
Jay | |
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10-25-2006, 09:20 PM
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#5 | | Reef Bum Smod
Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sand Springs OK
Posts: 2,065
| Its very debatable how long carbon takes to fully absorb. I change mine every 2-3 weeks depending on how much I use. I have ran my tank for long periods of time without carbon and didnt see any difference in water quality. | |
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10-25-2006, 10:24 PM
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#6 | | Betta
Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Newton, MA
Posts: 7
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oh, I have had mine in for a bout a month, maybe its time to change or get rid of altogether.... what do you guys think..? and the bio bag.. stay or go?
Fully Cycled tank
6.8 ph
0 ammonia
0 nitrates
10 nitries
40 gallon
12 Assorted Tiger Barbs
1 sunset wag molly
1 Bala Shark
2 Fiddler crabs
1 Red Claw crab
1 Pecostomas(cant spell
1 Bamboo Shrimp
drift wood
couple of plants
25 percent water changes / 2 times a week
one more quick question... One of my barbs in having a hard time keeping an even keel swim, kinda having a tail floating problem.. what could this be from? And The molly has a big BITE that has been taken out of his side by the barbs.. Should I put him him my un-heated 65* hospital tank or get rid of him. | |
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10-25-2006, 10:33 PM
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#7 | | Reef Bum Smod
Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sand Springs OK
Posts: 2,065
| I noticed your params say 10 nitrites? Is this right, or do you mean nitrates? | |
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10-25-2006, 10:37 PM
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#8 | | Guppy
Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gainesville, Fl
Posts: 19
| "Popular" from the point of view of the seller or buyer?
Popular in regards to widely used in most of the basic, generic filters.
__________________
3 Gallon
Pico Reef
29 Gallon
Planted | |
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