Filter Cartridges

#1
Is there any way to make you'r own filter cartidges, cheap?

I have 3 aquariums running on cartridges and soon getting 2 more!!

2 of my aquairums use Marineland cartridges and those are expensive!!

After awhile it starts getting really annoying with the prices since i don't have a job, LOL, it's like impossible at my age.

PLUS in my 20 gallon planted i don't want the carbon i9n the aquariums as i heard it kills plants!!

So is there a cheap way and what do i buy?

Do i really need to change cartridges once a month?
 

Jawz

Large Fish
Mar 9, 2003
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ontario, canada
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#2
Well for ur new tanks if u buy acquaclear filters and since u want no carbon jsut run all sponges in them, then when u need to clean them, just clean the bottom sponge and move it to the top, gives great biofiltration too. With marineland catridges, u can rinse them but need some good pressure to get the junk off. I use my ACs and im really happy with them and dont cost me much, jsut a bit cuz i prefer carbon.

In essence u dont need to change catridges but u need to clean them because it will get all clogged up and restrict water flow.
 

madhippoz

Large Fish
Jan 14, 2003
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Calgary, Alberta
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#3
I do the same thing as Jawz on my 10gal tank, except I always leave the same sponge on the bottom. The bottom one is my Mechanical and the top one is my Bio. I rinse the bottom one in some removed tank water weekly, and only plan on rinsing the other one maybe once every six months or so. It works really well...and you can cram a carbon bag on top of both sponges if you feel the urge :).