It has been recommended by my vet to use distilled water for my cats due to urine crystals. In this case, how often would I need to change carbon?
66732
I use distilled water as well and because of that, I don't use the carbon. I bought it and used it in the beginning but have since stopped and still have some just sitting in the cabinet. If you use tap water, then I would definitely use the carbon. I take apart the pump totally apart and rinse it out once per week and I change the white filter around the pump every 6 months or so. We have had the fountain since April of 2012 and have had no problems with it whatsoever. We just bought the mat for the fountain and can't believe we didn't buy it sooner. The cats love the fountain and so do we :-)
66733
I use distilled water as well and because of that, I don't use the carbon. I bought it and used it in the beginning but have since stopped and still have some just sitting in the cabinet. If you use tap water, then I would definitely use the carbon. I take apart the pump totally apart and rinse it out once per week and I change the white filter around the pump every 6 months or so. We have had the fountain since April of 2012 and have had no problems with it whatsoever. We just bought the mat for the fountain and can't believe we didn't buy it sooner. The cats love the fountain and so do we :-) I use distilled water as well and because of that, I don't use the carbon. I bought it and used it in the beginning but have since stopped and still have some just sitting in the cabinet. If you use tap water, then I would definitely use the carbon. I take apart the pump totally apart and rinse it out once per week and I change the white filter around the pump every 6 months or so. We have had the fountain since April of 2012 and have had no problems with it whatsoever. We just bought the mat for the fountain and can't believe we didn't buy it sooner. The cats love the fountain and so do we... » Read More I use distilled water as well and because of that, I don't use the carbon. I bought it and used it in the beginning but have since stopped and still have some just sitting in the cabinet. If you use tap water, then I would definitely use the carbon. I take apart the pump totally apart and rinse it out once per week and I change the white filter around the pump every 6 months or so. We have had the fountain since April of 2012 and have had no problems with it whatsoever. We just bought the mat for the fountain and can't believe we didn't buy it sooner. The cats love the fountain and so do we :-) « Show Less
66734
I have been changing my carbon on a two week schedule. If I notice it is not slimy I rinse and use for another week.
1020585
You might want to check www.churchdwight.com listed on the box for further questions. Personally, I found this superior to simple baking soda by itself. I have a sack of that I don't use anymore. I thought that the added added deodorizer might offend my cat, but that wasn't the case. For me, it adds an extra week to the litter box change. It's manufactured by Arm & Hammer in New Jersey.
1128682
Our cats have the catit fountain, and have been drinking from it from day one. They prefer it to "still" water in a bowl. My sister's maltipoo loves cat water as well, so I bought him one to use at his house. He seemed startled by it at first, but returned to it it after a walk the next day and has used it since with no trouble. I would give your kitty a couple days to get used to it.
1184532
The Cat Mate C10 will only dispense once a day, unless you refill and reset it. For four feedings a day, this product will not work. I set mine at night for one early morning feeding and it is great for that.
2160364
Hi there! I change mine every month as they are quite inexpensive. I'm not sure if there is any clear way to tell "when" they need to be replaced unless you perform some type of chemistry test on the water. One other thing I do is I always fill the pet fountain up with water from the refrigerator that has a filter. I think the bottom line is to just use good common sense and keep an eye on how your pet is doing health wise!
1839960
As a retired vet tech, I would never use distilled water. I use filtered water for my cats to reduce the impurities in the water. Chlorine is terrible for us as well as our pets. Distilled water is dead water. As you know it isn't pleasant tasting.
736934
I have 2 cats and I have to add water once a week. I think it would be OK for a week with just 1 cat.
1990882
I use Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon. I bought a 40 oz. jug for $12.79 last year here on Amazon; this is a huge quantity when compared to the amount that comes with the fountain. We clean the fountain, and change the water and carbon every week or so.
1085593
You are quite welcome. One other possibility that I forgot to note(apologies if you already are aware, not intended as an insult to your intelligence) is that cats who get urinary tract infections will repeatedly urinate outside the litter box. If that is what's happening, the vet can give clavimox antibiotic to treat it. Recurring UTIs may be caused by urinary stones, and a special diet(Royal Canin feline S/O) will treat that stone issue. If kidney dysfunction(usually cat is>=10 years old) is the issue, the food(dry or canned) Hill's k/d and plenty of water access should help. That's likely more than you ever needed to know. Thanks for asking! You are quite welcome. One other possibility that I forgot to note(apologies if you already are aware, not intended as an insult to your intelligence) is that cats who get urinary tract infections will repeatedly urinate outside the litter box. If that is what's happening, the vet can give clavimox antibiotic to treat it. Recurring UTIs may be caused by urinary stones, and a special diet(Royal Canin feline S/O) will treat that stone issue. If kidney dysfunction(usually cat is>=10 years old) is the issue, the food(dry or canned) Hill's k/d and plenty of water access should help. That's... » Read More You are quite welcome. One other possibility that I forgot to note(apologies if you already are aware, not intended as an insult to your intelligence) is that cats who get urinary tract infections will repeatedly urinate outside the litter box. If that is what's happening, the vet can give clavimox antibiotic to treat it. Recurring UTIs may be caused by urinary stones, and a special diet(Royal Canin feline S/O) will treat that stone issue. If kidney dysfunction(usually cat is>=10 years old) is the issue, the food(dry or canned) Hill's k/d and plenty of water access should help. That's likely more than you ever needed to know. Thanks for asking! « Show Less
1441910
That is going to depend on how much crud is in your water. With multiple cats our fountain is cleaned twice a week and the filter rinsed at each cleaning BUT the filter has been in well over 2 months now and is still working like its supposed to.
195607
I use filtered water too. I guess the charcoal filter is just to filter out the water from sitting there for a while. Sometimes water that's been sitting a while, even if it's running water, can grow bacteria so the charcoal is a precaution. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I keep my charcoal filter in for 2 months before I change it out. I only have one cat. I also use the foam filter cause sometimes, my long hair magically appears inside the fountain and the foam filter actually traps it from going into the pump.
1567029
I would add no more than a capful per gallon of water in the tank for starters. Maybe 2 capfuls if you are dealing with strong animal urine orders, particularly cats.
816255
How often will depend on your fish load or if you have other additional filtration. I don't use any carbon in a live planted tank with mine. Carbon is good for removing odor and water discoloration but also can absorb plant fertilizer and fish treatment medications. I think every two months for carbon if you use it is a good starting point to go from. With the pads I generally rinse mine a few times and re use them until they start to fall apart or just get too gross. Good luck.
2160370
I have one cat and she uses the fountain constantly. I find I change the filters about once a month. I don't find $6 for a pack of three to be expensive and would happily change them more often but it really doesn't seem to need it. My cat is quick to tell me when she wants fresh water and I also use pre-filtered water from the refrigerator.
2272956
I change it once a month. I have 3 cats and 1 dog. Fill up the tank every other day.
1958992
I have 2 cats that drink from it, and I could go over a week without adding water if I had to, but I add in a little every few days just to freshen it up, and dump the entire thing about every 7-10 days, wash it out and refill with fresh. I just almost an entire gallon of water....I use bottled water and have no build up and water is sparkling clean.
578292
the instructions say to change it every two week but with my 2 cats constantly drinking I have to change it every week due to hair or bugs getting in it. I did notice that when I use filtered water I can go for 2 weeks. When I use tap water it starts to smell like aquarium water within a week and slim build up on the walls. I bought the reusable filter so I run it under water to take off any slim and I am able to use it for a month.