Carbonless filter?

[fenton06]

I have a Tetra PF150 that uses 2 cartridge filters which of course have carbon in them. Can I pull the cartridges and use some other form of media to allow more bacterial growth? if you need pictures I can take some. Thanks!

EDIT: Pictures added. The filter is approx. 7" tall, 2.5" deep and 4.5" wide.

 

[packer43064]

You don't need the carbon. I have never used it, well before MFK times I did.

I would just cut the cartridges and dump the carbon out and keep using the empty cartridges at mechanical filtration, BB(Benificial Bacteria) will grow on the cartridges.

 

[dmopar74]

yes, ditch the carbon.

 

[packer43064]

With them kind, just take the clip off of the top and dump it out, or turn it inside out and get the carbon all off and put it back in the filter. Simple as that.

 

[fenton06]

ok so I see i should ditch the carbon, but should I keep the cartridges or remove them and put some other form of mechanical filtration so I have more area for BB to grow on and get rid of the dead space around the cartridges?

 

[packer43064]

You don't need the carbon. I have never used it, well before MFK times I did.

I would just cut the cartridges and dump the carbon out and keep using the empty cartridges at mechanical filtration, BB(Benificial Bacteria) will grow on the cartridges.

 

[snakehead1]

I, agree that carbon is a waste of money, but if you put wood or something that is going to discolor the water then you use it. It is mainly used to removing impureities. so save your money.

 

[fenton06]

carbon has been removed

 

[tcarswell]

Some HOB (my top fin 60 included) Make it almost impossible to have adequate bio filtration. I would think with the help of an under gravel filter or a small canister you could handle some good bio media.

 

[hailmike]

You don't need the carbon. I have never used it, well before MFK times I did.

me too, i read a lot of places that it was almost mandatory in a sense. now i just use sponges, scrubbie pads, bio balls and ceramic rings. never had a problem. i only use carbon to take meds out when/if i use them and when i first put drift wood into a tank.