I am treating my betta with pimafix. It says to remove the carbon when possible. Is it ok to keep the tank running without the cartridges?
1735259
Yes, it is designed so you can remove the filters easily.Just remember to check on the water quality more often once filter is removed.
1735260
Yes, it is designed so you can remove the filters easily. Just remember to check on the water quality more often once filter is removed.
1735261
As long as the tank is plugged in, it will continue to run, whether you have the carbon cartridges in or out. The cartridges just slide into a slot in back of the tank, but they do not stop the tank from working if not there.
1071887
I think it depends on the size of your tank and the number/size of critters. I use this on a ~80 gallon red eared slider tank- and I change out the Carbon whenever I clean/replace the filter (every 2/3 weeks).
64211
Yes. They shouldnt be able to get to it. However even if they eat it its not going to hurt them. IMO youre wasting your time and money using carbon for turtles. Ive had a few and they smell no matter what you have to do a weekly water change to keep the odor down. Id just run straight filter fluff. But if you must then yes its safe theyll be fine.
106695
I never use carbon in my filters, I think one pad is enough to keep the water clean, but if you have too much tanines you can use in bothRegards
1479209
The cartridges that come with this are garbage as are the replacements. I bought some activated charcoal for $6 or so, popped the top off, rinsed off the fiber filter and refilled. I did that about a month ago and the water still looks good. I have enough charcoal for the rest of time.
1885815
The CO2 will leak out wasting a cartridge. Also, over time there may be some seal leakage. I have not had a problem.
904844
I do not have a definitive answer, but would think it is OK. If you are really concerned about the SWCG , run the pump without the SWCG while treating. This is for Black algae, and for that I found that just adding to the pool is not enough. My process is scrape the infected area with a wire brush, followed by scraping with a chlorine tablet, then squirting area with the algaetrine by putting in a mustard squirt bottle. I'm in mask and snorkel and wearing rubber gloves, quite the sight. I only use the algaetrine when the black algae is really bad, just the brush and tablet. Also once used on black algae don't use the brush for other parts of the pool, you can spread the algae. Also be aware that the copper will clear the black and other algae very well but it can stain the pool in the process so use sparingly.
1968652
I suppose you can use it intermittently with water changes, really shouldn't have any adverse effect, and it's supposed to contain beneficial bacterial for your tank. I used it when initially starting my tank, to expedite my fishless cycle. Though, now, I'd probably recommend using the pre-seeded sponges at angelsplus, versus using the liquid starters. After your tank is established, you really shouldn't need this stuff at all. Your filters will be full of beneficial bacteria.
666327
Everything that is needed to start filtering is included. Only things that are not included is the filter media, bio balls, etc. It all depends on the type of aquarium you are trying to set up (fresh water vs salt water). I run GFO in mine for my reef tank. Carbon is useful in just about any aquarium. If you do use a filter media, I would suggest buying filter bags as well, or else it will be spread through out the filter, caught in the filter floss, and wasted when you clean the filter weekly. Most medias last more than 2 weeks, so you want the ability to take the media you are using out and put it back in after you are finished cleaning. Or else you will have to replace the media, which wasn't fully used. Even with out the above materials, the added flow and filter floss will help in over all tank health.
1922687
Yes, you can use carbon to assist with water clarification. Purigen addresses the nitrate stabilization in your aquarium (which helps with water cleaning process), but using carbon will speed the process. Change your carbo as directed because carbon has a short life cycle.
2022348
If you have to put charcoal in the cartridges, I will mix them together. I will check ammonia with color stick test to make sure everything is okay.
590900
Other comments saying you should not use carbon with it is not true. Seachem rep recommended to use carbon along with it (but is not necessary), which filters different things.
405798
Kathy, The amount of carbon provided is a little less than what is effective in my experience. Get a fine mesh media bag ($1 at most big chain pet stores) and make your own media bags. Much easier than buying premade bags. But I should also advice that you only use carbon when necessary. Carbon removed harmful chemicals, odors and helps to clear water, but it also removed trace elements that many live plants and growing fish need. So it should only be used if you are having a water clarify issue, smelly water conditions and/or after treating your tank with chemicals.
804751
Use of any filter should help, just be sure to include activated carbon to the filter media to control the cloudiness in your tank. You may even want the bigger model for a tank that size.
1330353
You should never have to change them out unless your fish has clearly died of an illness and you need to start a new tank cycle, or they are somehow falling apart. The "official" instructions are just to get you to buy more. Also, not enough bacteria lives in your substrate alone to compensate for switching out your filter media; be very careful and only swap out half at a time, then wait at least a month to swap out the other half, if you really feel that you need to change out your media but don't want to damage your tank's cycle. Do not rinse your media under tap water for any reason; this kills healthy bacteria. You should never have to change them out unless your fish has clearly died of an illness and you need to start a new tank cycle, or they are somehow falling apart. The "official" instructions are just to get you to buy more. Also, not enough bacteria lives in your substrate alone to compensate for switching out your filter media; be very careful and only swap out half at a time, then wait at least a month to swap out the other half, if you really feel that you need to change out your media but don't want to damage your tank's cycle. Do not rinse your media under tap water for any... » Read More You should never have to change them out unless your fish has clearly died of an illness and you need to start a new tank cycle, or they are somehow falling apart. The "official" instructions are just to get you to buy more. Also, not enough bacteria lives in your substrate alone to compensate for switching out your filter media; be very careful and only swap out half at a time, then wait at least a month to swap out the other half, if you really feel that you need to change out your media but don't want to damage your tank's cycle. Do not rinse your media under tap water for any reason; this kills healthy bacteria. « Show Less
1071886
I use this in my drinkwell 360 water bowl and it recommended I change the carbon every two weeks, but I usually do it once a month. I find it still functions properly in that timeframe.
943211
In my experience, the cartridge will also become clogged, which might inhibit water flow from the cleaning cavity to the tank. I also try to stretch the time between cartridge changes, but I do change them.