Charcoal Filter/ Bio Bag

[Tuffcents]

How often should these be change?

[Jay]

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

[andy53]

If charcoal only lasts a few days then why is it a popular part of many filters?

[Jay]

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

[gm333]

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.

[Tuffcents]

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.

[gm333]

I noticed your params say 10 nitrites? Is this right, or do you mean nitrates?

[andy53]

"Popular" from the point of view of the seller or buyer?



Popular in regards to widely used in most of the basic, generic filters.