Do HOB filter loose power?

[thetmaxx]

I've heard before that you can put the old bio sponge in the new filter so i did that. also, what is filter floss? I got some stuff yesterday that was like cut to fit phosphatew remover (for my 55 gallon FW) but they had it in different flavors as well (carbon, amonia remover, phosphate remover) something like that? or is it made for the aqua clears by the company?

also i'm confused why you say to not run carbon. isn't it designed to remove chemicals from your water when you do water changes? is there any downsides to not having it?

[lisalisa]

I got some stuff yesterday that was like cut to fit phosphate remover (for my 55 gallon FW) but they had it in different flavors as well

off topic: I thought I was the only one in the world that called those filter pads different 'flavors'!

As for your questions, filter floss is the plain white one of those.
I run carbon on my brackish tanks, and my reef. I don't feel there is any harm in running them on a fw tank, although it may mask odors/yellowing that would other wise tip you off that something was amiss.

[Pufferpunk]

Waste of $$$ on FW/BW tanks, IMO. I only use it on my reef tank, to prevent chemical warfare between corals.

[lisalisa]

That is why I use it in my reef as well, PP.

I do have to agree that I find it of little use in fw, other than for removing meds, but I can't think of many negative effects, should one wish to use it, for whatever reason.

[thetmaxx]

huh, i thought carbon was like a major necesity to filtering... good info, I probably wont run it anymore, if i can just get some motivation to didsasemble the filter and get it outta there... need to pick up that non-flavored filter floss stuff first thought...

thanks so much for the good info!!

[Jayhawk]

Although you have a new filter - do take it apart and clean that impeller from time to time. I'm not an impeller cleaning junkie like PP , but I do clean it about every month or so.

ACs are also my choice in filters. I just use two sponges and the biomax bead thingies.

Eric

[thetmaxx]

yah, i will continue to clean it, i actually pulled my old one apart. i didn't know they came apart like that, very nice!! anyways, it had some slime in it, but couldnt have been to restrictive on its power. ??

[YBeNormal]

Did you also clean the filter box or motor where the impeller is seated? That area can get very gunky (technical term ) an will slow things down.

[thetmaxx]

yes, slimy but didnt apear too restrictive.