Fish Dude Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 I have an HBO filter, I was wondering what kind of inserts to use. Im pretty sure I need a sponge, but I have no idea what other ones to use. I dont even know how many different types there are. Help is much appreciated, Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruadh Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 I have an HBO filter, I was wondering what kind of inserts to use. Im pretty sure I need a sponge, but I have no idea what other ones to use. I dont even know how many different types there are. Help is much appreciated, Thanks We need to know the brand and version of the filter. Where did you get it? How big is your tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 I use a couple sponges in my HOB filters. I dont' bother with the brand name inserts. I use either Aquaclear sponges or a bulk sponge and cut it to fit. I can usually fit 2-3 sponges in the compartment, that way I can alternate cleaning them so I dont' loose the bacteria. Or some people use the sponge/bio media combo. Fill the bottom of the compartment with bio media(bio rings, bio balls, pot scrubbers, etc.) and then put a sponge on top of that. This way, when you clean, you only clean the sponge and leave the bio media alone. I also dont' use carbon unless I'm trying to remove a medication Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveDude77 Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 I'm kinda new to being an aquarist but I use sponge, charcoal, and those ceramic tubes for bacteria growth. From what I've read though you don't really need the charcoal. Someone please corect me if I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
African_Fever Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 Charcoal/carbon has a limited life before it actually starts leeching everything back into the water that you put it in there to remove. I don't remember exactly what the time frame is, but I believe it's somewhere around 6 weeks. I personally haven't used it in years; I use water changes to remove medications because I'm pretty sure I'd forget to remove the charcoal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 I also do not use Carbon because of the leeching theory described by African Fever. I use the sponge/bio media combo, works for me! I overfilter my tanks as well though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 Depending on the type there may be a sticker on the underside of the lid that tells what filet media is used Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 I go with a biomedia (not purchased at the LFS), like lava rock or pot scrubbies (uber cheap!). Often, that's all I'll use, but if I want mechanical filtration, I usually go with a piece of sponge cut from a bulk sponge, or floss (bought a huge bag at WM for $12). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Dude Posted November 14, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 wat about ammonia filters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 If your tank is cycled properly you dont' need any sort of ammonia removing media. The bacteria remove the ammonia for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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