HELP!! Filter media question...

[gveng]

i'm tired of going through filter bags... or whatever they are called (see pic).

i'm talking about the white "filter bag" in the picture that holds the carbon... what else can i use and where can i buy it locally?

thanks!!

 

[aclockworkorange]

You don't need to use carbon, first off.
Second, if you're using a cartridge based filter, the problem is you have to replace cartridges.
Solution: get a filter that isn't cartridge based.

 

[gveng]

You don't need to use carbon, first off.
Second, if you're using a cartridge based filter, the problem is you have to replace cartridges.
Solution: get a filter that isn't cartridge based.

first, i know i don't need to use carbon. but i like to sometimes use it depending on what i feed my fish to minimize the smell of the water.

second, my 55g now has a whisper 60 and an aqueon 55 HOB filters on it, both are cartridge type filters and both are relatively new and in way am i going to replace them... so your "solution" won't work.

so again, my question is this... what material can i use to make the "filter bag"? or can i just replace the whole cartridge with foam (like aqua clears) and throw in some ceramic rings for the BB.

 

[Hot Slime]

When I use to have my emperor and penguin hob's I use to go through cartridges like crazy. And that was expensive, so I thought of a way to lengthen the life of your cartridge. What I did was cut the top and bottom part of the blue pad of the cartridge and dump all the carbon out. Then insert a precut to fit piece of those blue filter pads that you can pick up at the petstore into the space. Now you don't have to worry about leeching carbon and your cartridge last longer. Not sure if it works for other cartridge type, but it works for penguins and emps

 

[aclockworkorange]

first, i know i don't need to use carbon. but i like to sometimes use it depending on what i feed my fish to minimize the smell of the water.

second, my 55g now has a whisper 60 and an aqueon 55 HOB filters on it, both are cartridge type filters and both are relatively new and in way am i going to replace them... so your "solution" won't work.

so again, my question is this... what material can i use to make the "filter bag"? or can i just replace the whole cartridge with foam (like aqua clears) and throw in some ceramic rings for the BB.

Got it, sorry I'm typing on an iphone so sometimes my posts sound a little "short" when it's just a typing issue.

Can't really give specific advice on modding your filter without seeing pics of the inside. In SHORT, yes you should be able to make your own, but unless someone here has already done it with those specific designs, it's hard to give advice without pics. You should be able to fashion some DIY sponge cut out for it.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

filter mesh or a laundry bag works

 

[KaiserSousay]

So, I have to assume you have already tried cleaning and reusing your cartridges, right?
Even to the point of a soaking in a mild bleach/water bath to get out all the organics, followed by a vigorous rinse with plain tap water.
After that process has run it`s course and your media is looking pretty shabby, you can still use the plastic frame to hold as a base for something like quilt batting. How you get the batting to stay put will depend on how tight the frame fits into the filter slots. You might be able to simply wrap the batting around the frame and still get it into the slots. I`ve heard of some that use a hot melt glue to keep the batting in place.
When I had some Penguin 350 filters, I could use some 6X9in. scour pads that would slip in without much cutting.
There are some commercial replacement frames that are “clam shell” in design. They open to let you use whatever media you can fit into them.
You will just have to look around for a SAFE alternative to constantly buying new filter cartridges.
Good Luck

 

[CLDarnell]

I always rinse and re-use mine. You have to be careful...too much use or too harsh of a rinsing and they will start to come apart. I have two Whisper 30/60 dual chamber filters, each chamber can take up to two cartridges. What I do is use one cartridge per chamber and put a cut piece of foam in the other slot as a "pre-filter". When it's time to clean, I squeeze out the sponge and rinse. Then I lighly rinse off the filter sock. Even using a total of 4 of these type cartridges at once, I haven't had to buy replacements since October.

To answer your question, I guess it's how creative you are. You could use a regular carbon sock and sort of flatten it out, but they are about the same price. You could sew up some material, but I really don't think it's worth it. About the only solid advice I can give you is to buy in bulk (buying a box of 6 socks is only 2 to 3 times as much as buying a single replacement cartridge).

A hint...these are even cheaper at Wal-Mart. It's the only fish related item I buy at Wal-Mart

 

[DMD123]

Maybe this could be modified for your filter:
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+11351&pcatid=11351

Seems like it has a basic frame, you could maybe use some foam with it...

 

[gveng]

Got it, sorry I'm typing on an iphone so sometimes my posts sound a little "short" when it's just a typing issue.

Can't really give specific advice on modding your filter without seeing pics of the inside. In SHORT, yes you should be able to make your own, but unless someone here has already done it with those specific designs, it's hard to give advice without pics. You should be able to fashion some DIY sponge cut out for it.

no problem, sorry is i seemed a little snappy.

filter mesh or a laundry bag works

filter mesh?

So, I have to assume you have already tried cleaning and reusing your cartridges, right?
Even to the point of a soaking in a mild bleach/water bath to get out all the organics, followed by a vigorous rinse with plain tap water.
After that process has run it`s course and your media is looking pretty shabby, you can still use the plastic frame to hold as a base for something like quilt batting. How you get the batting to stay put will depend on how tight the frame fits into the filter slots. You might be able to simply wrap the batting around the frame and still get it into the slots. I`ve heard of some that use a hot melt glue to keep the batting in place.
When I had some Penguin 350 filters, I could use some 6X9in. scour pads that would slip in without much cutting.
There are some commercial replacement frames that are “clam shell” in design. They open to let you use whatever media you can fit into them.
You will just have to look around for a SAFE alternative to constantly buying new filter cartridges.
Good Luck

yes, i rinse and reuse... i'm just tired of buying them!! at walmart the biggest pack is a 3 pack, i need 4 cartridges for both of my filters... it's just getting annoying to buy 2 packs every time and then one pack later on.

I always rinse and re-use mine. You have to be careful...too much use or too harsh of a rinsing and they will start to come apart. I have two Whisper 30/60 dual chamber filters, each chamber can take up to two cartridges. What I do is use one cartridge per chamber and put a cut piece of foam in the other slot as a "pre-filter". When it's time to clean, I squeeze out the sponge and rinse. Then I lighly rinse off the filter sock. Even using a total of 4 of these type cartridges at once, I haven't had to buy replacements since October.

To answer your question, I guess it's how creative you are. You could use a regular carbon sock and sort of flatten it out, but they are about the same price. You could sew up some material, but I really don't think it's worth it. About the only solid advice I can give you is to buy in bulk (buying a box of 6 socks is only 2 to 3 times as much as buying a single replacement cartridge).

A hint...these are even cheaper at Wal-Mart. It's the only fish related item I buy at Wal-Mart

already use walmart

Maybe this could be modified for your filter:
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+11351&pcatid=11351

Seems like it has a basic frame, you could maybe use some foam with it...

thanks for the link, i wish they listed measurements.