The Puffer Forum

CyberBob wrote:

hadla wrote:

Pufferpunk wrote:Gosh, make it easier on yourself & get an Aquaclear.

so with an aquaclear, could you just keep rinsing the inserts off and not have to buy new ones until they get worn out? my fiance got one on amazon for his goldfish and it works really well. i want to find a filter where i dont have to keep buying new media or cartridges because that is just more plastic going into a landfill...

that's what I'm doing. I only throw away the carbon when it's used up. And I only run carbon when needed.
The aquaclear filters are great at that. It's kinf of like having a box canister hanging on your tank. But, they do cost more.
That's why i chose the penguin. more bang for my buck. then, just head over to foster & smith's or your favorite aquarium store.
Buy the media baskets. they are reusable and only cost $3. for the standard cartridges, I use the empty clam shells from the bio3 filter cartridges they make. They only cost $1 and are completely reusable. then, just rinse when needed and change the carbon when needed. no more cartridges

By the way ... I love PikMin ... Yellow was my fave. I like purple or white from pikmin 2. i hope thy make a 3rd.

yeah, when I have money to spend on my tanks, I'm going to get them each an aquaclear filter.

unfortunately if they do make a new pikmin, it will be on their stupid new "wiiu" system 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)

I've been using AC filters for 30+ years. Some have sponges in there that have been rinsed & reused for over 20 years.

GRRRR ... I should have waited one week. I bought the penguin last weekend. This weekend the AC 70 (300) is on sale at foster & smith's for $10 less then I paid for my penguin 350 locally. The aquatech 5-15 I had died, so I had to get a new filter. I went ahead and upgraded the puffer tank and passed that aqueon 30 along to the 10g. I paid $53 at petco for the penguin 350. the ac 300 was $70. Now, the ac 300 is $43 on foster & smith's. Oh well, next time I'll buy AC. Just gotta wait for these Aqueons to die hehe. Or, I suppose I could always take the penguin back saying it's too noisy and get the aquaclear.

Although, I have already ordered the clam shells and media baskets for the penguin 350 from foster & smith. I just ordered it 2 days ago :-\
I also ordered some aqua gloves, pleco food, battery air pumps (I live in FL, lots of power outages this time of year), and a cleaning claw accessory for my gravel vac ... no more sucking up the lil ones. In fact ... here, you can track it

http://www.fedex.com/Tracking/Detail?tr ... 3046520397

Pufferpunk wrote:I've been using AC filters for 30+ years. Some have sponges in there that have been rinsed & reused for over 20 years.

is there anything besides the sponge in yours? do you just rinse and reuse those, too?

Above the sponge is 1" filter floss (pillow stuffing), to "polish" the water, crystal clear. That I toss & replace. Above that is BioMax ceramic pieces, for biological filtration. I used to use that in the AC filters for years, before the company decided to add them to all their filters. Those get rinsed & reused.

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

No reason for carbon or ammo-rid on a healthy, FW tank. You are welcome to re-post in the DIY forum.

Pufferpunk wrote:Above the sponge is 1" filter floss (pillow stuffing), to "polish" the water, crystal clear. That I toss & replace. Above that is BioMax ceramic pieces, for biological filtration. I used to use that in the AC filters for years, before the company decided to add them to all their filters. Those get rinsed & reused.

oh ok, good... i wonder if i could find something biodegradeable that would work as well as the pillow stuffing...

thanks for the info! ill definitely switch to aquaclears or penguin when i can

CyberBob wrote: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.

thanks for all that info, ill have to make my own cartridges now lol. both my filters need new ones and i dont have a biofilter for the 20-40 and i didnt want to buy more cartridges. ill go take a look at aqualife and walmart for stuff to make my own until i can get new filters. im glad to see that i dont need carbon. thats why i was iffy about making my own.

hadla wrote:thanks for all that info, ill have to make my own cartridges now lol. both my filters need new ones and i dont have a biofilter for the 20-40 and i didnt want to buy more cartridges. ill go take a look at aqualife and walmart for stuff to make my own until i can get new filters. im glad to see that i dont need carbon. thats why i was iffy about making my own.

Glad I could help
I prefer to use the ceramic for bio, but if you don't have room, just use scrotchbrite pads (10 for $1 at dollar store).
Just make sure there is nothing added. It needs to be plain plastic (poly, nylon) scrub pads.
The density is up to you. I like using slightly coarse ones, but some folks use dense.
Dense will prolly grow bacteria faster, but will also clog faster.

hadla wrote:oh ok, good... i wonder if i could find something biodegradeable that would work as well as the pillow stuffing...

Don't use pillow stuffing, it's flame retardant and has deadly side effects for your fish (possibly)
I believe the bag I use was for stuffing teddy bears. Just make sure it says right up front "not flame resistant".
I have also heard to avoid hypo allergenic. But, never tested it myself.
If your wal-mart doesn't have it, don't chance it. If you are using the blue\white pad, you probably won't even need poly fiber.
If you really want to save some money ...
Cut your filter above or below the space the carbon is stored (depending on your cartridge. below is usally better cause the water flow will keep the filter pad down as long as you cut it in front. But, if you need to cut above, that is fine, just try to do it on the backside if possible.
Next, dump out the carbon, swish the cartridge in water from a water change ... tadda ... clean cartridge.
Carbon is only good for 2-4 weeks, then there is a chance it will start leaking toxins back into the water.
Keep doing this until it starts falling apart. I added a little poly fiber where the carbon was for some more filtration.
Just don't pack the fiber too tight or it will stop the water flow.
If you still want to use carbon, buy a small tub of it at walmart or whereever. It's very cheap.
Put some activated carbon in the slit and tadda ... almost factory made. Change the carbon every 2-4 weeks and you can keep using that cartridge for probably a year or so. Some only last 6 months ... If it's falling apart ... start making them yourself.
If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask You can PM if you don't want to post your questions, I don't mind at all.

Have Fun,
Bob

PS My Shark died tonight for no reason. I did a 25% water change today and added Prime. He's completely used to that. Maybe it was old age. Maybe he choked on a shrimp. When I found him he was facing straight up. I haven't seen that before, they usually sink or float on their side. But, he was staring at the sky. That makes me think he airway might have been blocked and only his head had air *shrug*
I will definetly get another shark, they are one of my favorite fw cats. But, maybe a rainbow this time

CyberBob wrote:Cut your filter above or below the space the carbon is stored (depending on your cartridge. below is usally better cause the water flow will keep the filter pad down as long as you cut it in front. But, if you need to cut above, that is fine, just try to do it on the backside if possible.

ooh so I should keep the plastic insert then... can I just tear off all the filter floss and attach the homemade pad to it with a needle and fishing line? that should last a really long time right?

hadla wrote:ooh so I should keep the plastic insert then... can I just tear off all the filter floss and attach the homemade pad to it with a needle and fishing line? that should last a really long time right?

I dunno what model you are using. But, I always gut my old cartridges for the frame. I need it on my aqueon filters.
You probably won't need to sew it on. It just depends on your filter. But, fishing line is good. I also have used poly thread.
In fact, I am using poly thread to keep my panty hose carbon bags closed. I have a lil cloud.
I also just tie it in a knot ... just depends on if I get knee highs or full LOL. by the way .. don't use the crotch
Wow, I know too much about panty hose.
If the padding on the cartridge is still good, leave it attached to the frame and just cut it enough to get the carbon out.
If you can't get it out without tearing up the padding too much, no biggy ... blue pad meet frame, you'll be very close for a long time.
Replace the carbon if needed down the line and you're pretty much back to a factory cartridge

If biomax rocks won't fit ... they are plenty of small ceramic alternatives. Some will even come in their own mesh bag hehe.
Scotchbright is a last resort in my opinion. But, it does work. Carbon will even act as a bio filter ... for a while.

Most likely the blue pad will stay in place by itself. But, you can always use my friend ... panty hose.
Hell, try a rubber band even LOL. You'll be surprised how many ways you can make filter cartridges once you get started.
Experiment, use what works best for your tank.
I don't use filter fiber in my small hang on backs for example, because it slows the the water flow too much.
With my old aquatech, I gutted the frame and just placed padding in front of it.
The water flow kept it in place. I also used the pantyhose trick to put media behind the frame. It was better then factory at that point hehe.
You should get 6-12 months out of each pad (probably). Some folks made theirs last up to 5 yrs ... I'm not even that cheap hehe

Another thing some folks do is buy the bio bag filter catridges. they are pretty cheap and you can fill \ empty them very easily.
Walmart even carries them. Just write down your measurements and try to match one. One of my friends has been doing that for years.
It's a nice easy clean alternative. But, won't work with everyone's filter.

Oh, one last thing ... that brown stuff is good (Beneficial Bacteria) ... leave it unless your water slows down too much. (fish poop)

I get the pillow stuffing at sewing machine stores, in great big bags.

CyberBob wrote: I dunno what model you are using. But, I always gut my old cartridges for the frame. I need it on my aqueon filters.
You probably won't need to sew it on. It just depends on your filter. But, fishing line is good. I also have used poly thread.

oh sorry, they are aqua tech 10-20 in the 10 gallon(came with a biofilter) and 20-40 in the 20 gallon(didnt come with a biofilter-dont know why)

so should i try to order a biofilter for the 20-40 or can i make one?

i thought id have to sew the new padding onto the frame to hold it in place, but it probably would stay without it

hadla wrote:oh sorry, they are aqua tech 10-20 in the 10 gallon(came with a biofilter) and 20-40 in the 20 gallon(didnt come with a biofilter-dont know why)

so should i try to order a biofilter for the 20-40 or can i make one?

i thought id have to sew the new padding onto the frame to hold it in place, but it probably would stay without it

Ahhh the aquatechs can be a lil tricky. especially the 10g. because of that lil lip that goes under the intake.
But, I made it work with my old one
The easiest thing to do with the aquatech 10 is just to use the cartridge it came with.
cut a slit at the top front (blue side, not plastic side)
empty out all the carbon from that little basket on the backside.
you can stuff a little fiber in that basket if you want, but make sure it's not compressed too much or it will stop the water flow.
the fiber will also work as the biofilter
my suggestion would be to put some small ceramic rings in that basket, then put a little fiber on top of the rings to hold them in place.
But, the fiber will work fine as a biofilter by itself.
the padding of the cartridge will also become a biofilter after a while (that brown stuff)
just be sure you never rinse it with tap water or you will kill all the bacteria.
always use water from a water change and just swish it around to knock off the large particles.
you can also change the carbon this way if you need to.
You can sew it shut if you want, but i didn't need to.

as for the biofilter part ... it should have come with a coarse pad that fits into a little plastic holder.
if you have the holder, but are missing the pad, just make a new one with a scotchbrite pad.
if you are missing the plastic holder also, it gets a lot trickier. you would have to make your own frame to fit there and hold the sponge in place.
i got it to work once by just sticking a couple sticks into the grooves on the sides. then putting the pad on the inside of the sticks.
the water flow kept it in place. but, you could always sew it to the sticks if needed.