Filter Cartridge ???

[skypros]

I have a 2.5 gallon mini bow tank that uses the small filter cartridges.
They are $8 for a 3 pack... + shipping (on-line) and I think $10 @ the store (that is not close to me)

My question: is there anyway to make my own cartridge and if so.... How would I do it?

Thanks
Steve

[Lupin]

What filter do you use? You can simply go with filter floss, small lava rocks, ceramic rings and sponges. Porous objects prove useful to allow more beneficial bacteria to colonize.

[skypros]

Hi Lupin,
This is the filter cartridge I use
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...2493&lmdn=Fish

[Oldfishlady]

It all depends on if you want to use carbon or not-if so-this has to be changed every 3-6 weeks-depending on the carbon grade....I don't use carbon...not needed IMO....especially when a water change will do the same thing that carbon can do.....when I did buy my filter media I would cut a slit in it and dump the carbon out and save it...great to have fresh unused carbon on hand...just in case......
I would then just use the sponge part of the filter media and rinse/swish in old tank water a couple of times a month or when the water flow slowed....I would only change it out when it was falling apart...about 1-2 times a year.....now I make my own filter media and I use a lot of polly-fill that I get in the craft department-rubber band come in handy to keep it attached to the filter frame.....I even have some that I will use cheese cloth to wrap around them to keep the polly fill in place....

[Pekemom]

The manufacturing companies make more money on supplies like this, than the tank you bought from them!! How often have you been changing them out? I agree completely with OFL - there are ways of filtering with cheaper materials than work just as well.

[skypros]

I have been trying to wash the filters out by rinsing them in cold water.... then with this last cartridge.... I cut the top "filter media" off (bottom filter media is still on the cartridge)..... and I put cotton as the "media" (it kinda works)

I guess what I am going to try is getting a sheet of "filter media" and try the rubber band as OFL suggested.

[Oldfishlady]

The goal of rinse/swish of the filter media in old tank water with a water changes- is to get the big pieces of gunk off so that you can maintain good water flow through it....you want it to look dirty...this is good bacteria.....over cleaning especially in un-treated/chlorinated water can kill all this good bacteria......as odd as it sounds...sometimes dirty is good.....lol....