Question: Canister Filter Media

[Flee]

[FONT=&quot]Hi, [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I have a canister filter 1000lt/h and it has [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Bio Balls, Seramic noodles, Carbon, Sponge. My question is how long till I need to replace the filter media? Its been about a month so far but im not sure when I need to buy more and also I noticed today some black stuff on my sand which looks like black sand is it my carbon?? Does it brake down and will it hurt the axies?[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Thanks for your time and help [/FONT]

 

[auntiejude]

A photo of the black 'stuff' would be useful to help determine what it is. It may well be carbon from the filter, but it could also be poop.

Ideally you should only replace your filter medium if it becomes damaged, you don't replace it routinely (despite what the manufacturers tell you). Your filter is where the good bateria that process ammonia live, by replacing the filter medium you lose your cycle. If you do need to replace damaged filter medium you should only to one part at a time to retain as much of the bacteria as possible.

To clean your filter medium you need to rinse and squeeze it in tank water, get all the trapped gunk out and put it straight back.

Charcoal is an optional layer, some people don't use one, but that is the only layer that needs replacing as it absorbs chemicals.

 

[layna]

I honestly wouldnt bother with the charcoal/carbon (black stuff)
It only works for 10-14 days and then it can start to release all the gunk it absorbed back into your tank.

I replaced mine with ceramic noodles and my tank parameters are now a lot better, because its more surface area for your good bacteria to grow on and lasts years and years!

 

[Flee]

Ok, thank you both for your help. My filter seems to be making a funny noise like air is trapped in it I will check it out 2morrow :happy: