Filter Carbon???

[emeraldmaster]

In my 12 gallon Nano tank, there is a bag of filter carbon. Now, this thing has been in there for a long time (at least 2 years) but lately with the fish healing thatI have been trying to do, I am being extremely safety cautious about everything... Does filter carbon has an experation date? I know that when I clean the filter, the carbon drains black water out. It is very easy to break the individual peices of carbon inside... Anyone have the answer???

[Myates]

Carbon filters should be changed monthly.

The sponge filters can last months when properly cleaned.

[Otterfun]

Originally Posted by emeraldmaster

In my 12 gallon Nano tank, there is a bag of filter carbon. Now, this thing has been in there for a long time (at least 2 years) but lately with the fish healing thatI have been trying to do, I am being extremely safety cautious about everything... Does filter carbon has an experation date? I know that when I clean the filter, the carbon drains black water out. It is very easy to break the individual peices of carbon inside... Anyone have the answer???

For your reference, instructions from my Fluval Spec V says:
Change carbon filter mesh bag unit every 4-6 weeks, that's why it is in the top compartment of the foam block.

Change the Biomax mesh bag unit every 6 month, that's why it is at the bottom compartment.

Change foam block that houses the above 2 items every year.

It seems like the carbon filter looses its effectiveness in about 4-6 weeks and therefore needs replacement as per Fluval's instructions for my tank.

[waterdog]

Carbon absorbs impurities in the water as it passes by. It gets to the point where it gets saturated and stops doing any good. Left in place, it can actually start leaching those same impurities back into the water, causing more problems. Carbon should be changed every 4 to 6 weeks. If this is not possible, you should discontinue the use of it totally!

[Bombalurina]

+1. Instructions on filters are usually accurate about carbon. However, you can generally ignore their instructions regarding sponges/bioballs etc.

[emeraldmaster]

I thank you all! When I return home, I shall remove the carbon! And yes, I clean those sponges VERY well, they can get a little messy at times...

[Otterfun]

Originally Posted by Myates

Carbon filters should be changed monthly.

The sponge filters can last months when properly cleaned.

Hi, do you have any suggestions on the frequency of rinsing the sponge filter?

[waterdog]

Originally Posted by Otterfun

Hi, do you have any suggestions on the frequency of rinsing the sponge filter?

This will tell you everything you need to know about sponge filters
http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=126530

[Perseusmom]

I have a bio wheel type tank and the carbon fllter I havent changed since my tank was cycled many months ago for fear of losing BB. I do swipe it around in tank water I save from my water change about once a month. Is this good for should I think about replacing it now since I read it can leak bad things bad into the water once its old ?

[waterdog]

I have the Marineland hex 5 tank. I have always loved the bio wheel filters has this aids in holding BB when the filter is changed. I replace mine each month so the carbon stays active and have never had a problem!