Changing Filter media

[Mahamotorworks]

I have a top fin 30 HOB Filter that I am noticing the filter pad need to be changed. I bought new one last night. I have the Type with the blue foam pad in front of it for bacterial growth. I just want to change the white pad behind it. I am wondering if I need to "seed" the new filter or just change it out? I also have the Eclise 3 Filter in hood system and the filter needs to be changed in it also. Do I need to float the filter even though it has a bio-wheel?


Thanks

MAHA

 

[Rush07]

No, you should be able to just go ahead and change it. The blue pad is your biological and the white pad is your mechanical and chemical (activated charcoal). This can be rinsed and added with no issues.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

you dont really need to change them. i havent changed any of mine once, ever. i have been keeping fish since september of 05. when you do a WC just swish the filter around in the old dirty water. you shouldnt rinse it in the tap because the chloine in the water will kill off your bacteria.

 

[revfred]

Yes, as suggested just swish it around . . . on the Eclipse the bio-wheel which you don't change or "swish" is your bio filter.

 

[Mahamotorworks]

ok thanks for the help. I was reading another post and It stated that you really dont need carcoal in you filter just something to remove the big stuff, like floss or a sponge. Is that ture?

Thanks

MAHA

 

[f8fan]

I personally don't use carbon (charcoal) in any of my filters. And - I also don't buy the premade and expensive filter cartridge replacements either. I make my own. Here is a link as to how you can do it, too. Lotus posted this a while ago and even tho this is for a specific filter type, I bet you can get the idea on how to do this for your filter.
PG: DIY Penguin Filter Cartridges - PlantGeek.net
I agree with everyone else. I replace the "media" on my cartridges maybe twice a year when it gets ragged. I just swish and squeeze the gunk out every other water change or so (in tank water - not tap water) and elastic band it back on.

 

[Mahamotorworks]

First of Thanks to everyone that has responded.

I was noticing the water flow was slowing down out of my HOB filter. I stoped it and removed the Carbon and placed a 2nd blue pad in it. It flows a lot better now. If I dont need Carbon then I will run with out it for now.

On my 37G tank wiht the eclipse Systemm I just rinsed the filter in water then put it back in I can tell that it is slowing down too. I have new ones so I will replaces it then take the old one apart and just add the filter cloth.

I will take Pic's and Post them to help every one out.

MAHA