Do I have to replace (like completely get rid of) my filter cartridge in my hob filter for my reef tank? Or would washing it out be enough? Also, how often should I replace/wash the cartridge?
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sorry im new to the hobby and a bit confused. what do you mean carbon likely shot? also, when you said replace, you mean replace the filter cartridge entirely right? how often should i do this?Carbon likely shot- replace
What brand HOB filter do you have? Let us know more about the “cartridges”. Some have filter floss with carbon other have a more spongy (more porous) cartridge some have both. If one has carbon, these should be replaced as carbon has an effective lifetime. The more porous sponge serves more as your biological filter. If it’s dirty and clogged it can be rinsed with non-chlorinated water but don’t clean it off too much.sorry im new to the hobby and a bit confused. what do you mean carbon likely shot? also, when you said replace, you mean replace the filter cartridge entirely right? how often should i do this?
The cartridge known as spent (used up) contains carbon and should be replacedsorry im new to the hobby and a bit confused. what do you mean carbon likely shot? also, when you said replace, you mean replace the filter cartridge entirely right? how often should i do this?
This.What brand HOB filter do you have? Let us know more about the “cartridges”. Some have filter floss with carbon other have a more spongy (more porous) cartridge some have both. If one has carbon, these should be replaced as carbon has an effective lifetime. The more porous sponge serves more as your biological filter. If it’s dirty and clogged it can be rinsed with non-chlorinated water but don’t clean it off too much.
it was a aqua tech 100gph filter with a blue filter pad with carbon inside it. I think a google search will be more helpful in determining it.What brand HOB filter do you have? Let us know more about the “cartridges”. Some have filter floss with carbon other have a more spongy (more porous) cartridge some have both. If one has carbon, these should be replaced as carbon has an effective lifetime. The more porous sponge serves more as your biological filter. If it’s dirty and clogged it can be rinsed with non-chlorinated water but don’t clean it off too much.
it was a aqua tech 100gph filter with a blue filter pad with carbon inside it. I think a google search will be more helpful in determining it.This.
Different brands will have different 'cartridges' and they can be mechanical, biological, and/or chemical filtration. And whether they need to be replaced, or even washed at all, varies depending on what type of filter medium it is, and well, what brand it is even.
Typically on these forums, we stop giving advice once you have been steered so closely in the correct direction, that it would be hard to miss. Did you figure out your answer? Is this the filter? Do you understand what recommendations were offered and why? I just googled Aquatech 100gph and this is the first image that came up. See the red circle below.it was a aqua tech 100gph filter with a blue filter pad with carbon inside it. I think a google search will be more helpful in determining it.
I sort of figured it out. replace every 1 week is what I have understood for now. mainly for a lightly stocked tank. yes that is the filter. i didn't get much recommendations so i don't fully understand. i just got the 1-2 week thing from other posts.Typically on these forums, we stop giving advice once you have been steered so closely in the correct direction, that it would be hard to miss. Did you figure out your answer? Is this the filter? Do you understand what recommendations were offered and why? I just googled Aquatech 100gph and this is the first image that came up. See the red circle below.
so when nitrates begin rising even with water changes, that's when I should change right?The box says to change the carbon filter monthly but not to change the bio floss. I think that is sufficient for a lightly stocked tank. Is there another question that hasn’t been answered?
No one can really tell you exactly what to do, but a good gauge is to test your water. If you’re interested in this hobby and have invested in a water quality testing kit, you will probably start to see your nitrates begin to rise after one month of not changing your filter. Maybe you would not see any changes for 2 months. That’s one barometer for how “clean” your water may be.
I am not sure if that is what JeffLED is trying to say, but no, carbon does not get rid of nitrates.so when nitrates begin rising even with water changes, that's when I should change right?
I should have been more clear. This is not quite what I meant. In this case, I think the best advice you get is on the box - change your filter once a month for your lightly stocked tank and you will be fine.so when nitrates begin rising even with water changes, that's when I should change right?