hadla wrote:is there anything besides the sponge in yours? do you just rinse and reuse those, too?
I'm not using AC myself. I use Aqueons and a Penguin.
Although I would always recommend AquaClear Filters ... I used to have a couple.
But, usually peeps use sponge, filter fiber, carbon, ceramic rings, ammonia rid, etc.
You can use lots of different media as long as it fits in your hang on back and doesn't impeed the water flow.
The penguin \ emperor makes it real easy to add your own media.
Just use the media baskets and empty clam shells.
The aqueons are pretty easy too. Just have to take apart an old catridge (for the frame)
and then put whatever media you want in between the frame and the blue holder.
I used to use different filters. But, when I went through my last divorce I sold almost all my fish stuff.
I've just started up the hobby again this year. It had only been about a year without my fish, but I missed em.
I still had some filter media leftover in a box, but all my tanks and filters were sold off.
So, I bought new filters that are easy to work with this time around. I got a couple tanks off craiglist.
Now I have 4 tanks running again. I personally won't ever buy old filters.
I had a bad experience once (Never Clean Fish Equipment with Bleach People!).
I'm still working out some kinks with these new filters. But, I think I have figured out how to make a "super cartridge".
I'll never buy cartridges again. I've only been using them because it came with my filter.
I just cut it open, removed the carbon and put some filter floss in there. It worked great for a while.
Recently I started making my own cartridges rather then buy new factory made ones.
Here are some tips I've learned that should work with most "Hang on Back" filters:
I use a blue & white sponge filter pad that you can buy in a sheet for about $3 at the LFS.
Just cut it to size. You can rinse and re-use it as much as you like (until it's falling apart).
I've been using the same sheet (3' x 5') for about 10 yrs now.
I cut a new filter pad out of it every year or so on average.
You can use scotchbrite pads for a bio media. It really just depends on your filter.
It's not really needed if you are using the blue\white pad though.
I prefer to use biomax ceramic myself, but it can take up a lot of space in a Hang on Back.
I also use filter fiber. The stuff at the LFS is safe, but expensive. still, that 14oz bag will prolly last ya a couple yrs.
You can also buy the big bag at walmart in crafts for $3, if you don't want the 14oz bag for $10 from your LFS.
Make sure not to get the flame retardant stuff (used in pillows, beds, furniture, etc). You want just plain fluffy poly fiber.
If you can't find a bag that says right on the front "not flame resistant" ... don't buy it for your fish.
I have been using the same big bag for 20 years LOL. I still have about 1\4 of it left too.
You can rinse and re-use this also. But, you might want to put it in pantyhose \ media bag also.
Some people have issues with their fiber getting loose in the tank. My batch has never had that problem.
I just sandwich it between 2 pads or some cheap screen I have leftover from my screen door. Again, make sure it's poly.
I'd bet you could find a "media bag" in crafts also. Just be sure it's not cotton, you want poly.
I've use the netting that I had leftover from my weeding. It was used to hold birdseed. It works pretty good, but doesn't last very long.
I also use carbon \ ammo rid when needed. Don't bother buying $6 media bags from your LFS, just use dollar store panty hose.
Yep, poly again. I bought 5 pairs of hose for $1 and it has lasted me 10 yrs so far. I still have one left. You don't need to always run carbon.
I have run "carbonless" for many many years. You really only need it to clear up cloudiness or remove meds.
OK ... now you will probably see a lot of people replying to this post saying that I'm crazy or something along those lines.
But, ask around and you'll also find a lot of others just like myself which have been using these methods for years.
As a general rule, use poly instead of cotton ... Poly won't grow things.
Hey admin (Prolly PP) ... feel free to make this part of the post into a sticky under tricks of the trade if you want
im not buying any new systems from them anymore* because its getting ridiculous (*the last system i buy will be a 3ds when they get cheaper)
