plastic scrub pads

[vfc]

Dr Joe,
No I didn't clean it until about the third month.

I am now trying to decide how often I should be cleaning all my canisters. I typically clean them about every three months. I understand I have waste in the filters that is breaking down; however, the loss of some of the BB may outweigh the benefit of removing the crud as often. Since I run such a low turnover rate (< 5X) on my substantially stocked African Cichlid tanks, I really do not have as much waste trapped in them as say someone with 10X turnover.

 

[Dr Joe]

If you use a pre-filter in them, that's all you'll need to clean frequently (when it clogs up) then a 6-10 mo. breakdown cleaning.

The reason I asked if you had cleaned it was as the filter gets dirtier it filters better up to the point that it either clogs or the garbage starts to breakdown and release pollutants back into the tank.

Dr Joe

.

 

[bigspizz]

All the while leaching all the bad things it aborbed back into the water.

There must be a point when the "leaching" stops and the bb home is final.......

 

[Dr Joe]

Yes, but by then the damage is done.

Would have been better to put lava rock (cheaper) in if that was the end result.

Use carbon to remove toxins and medications and discard after use, and inert media for bio-media's home.

If it wasn't for the carbon's ability to absorb toxins, then yes, it would make a usable bio-media, but other materials are better and cheaper.

Dr Joe

.

 

[bigspizz]

Yes, but by then the damage is done.

Would have been better to put lava rock (cheaper) in if that was the end result.

Use carbon to remove toxins and medications and discard after use, and inert media for bio-media's home.

If it wasn't for the carbon's ability to absorb toxins, then yes, it would make a usable bio-media, but other materials are better and cheaper.

Dr Joe

.

Thanks Dr Joe! Noted.

 

[DeLgAdO]

All the while leaching all the bad things it aborbed back into the water.

there an article of this somewhere? i question it.

 

[bigspizz]

If you "leach" the activation proprty of the carbon in a controled uncontamonated invironment.......It MUST serve as an unreal surface area for BB. I will start to experiment, and post results, thanks.

 

[rallysman]

Yes, those scrubbies work. I use them in my wet/dry on my 300. I like them better than bioballs

 

[DeLgAdO]

do scrubbies come in one color? cause the multicolor packs are kinda fruity

all blue would be nice

 

[Miguel]

Guys take care with those supermarket sponges...in here lots of them come impreganted with chemicals, for dishwashing i guess..