[Fish Dude]

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

[Ruadh]

Fish Dude, on Nov 11 2008, 09:45 PM, said:

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?

[Vallisneria]

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

[DaveDude77]

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.

[African_Fever]

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!

[Slough Shark]

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.

[randy]

Depending on the type there may be a sticker on the underside of the lid that tells what filet media is used

[jvision]

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).

[Fish Dude]

wat about ammonia filters?

[Vallisneria]

If your tank is cycled properly you dont' need any sort of ammonia removing media. The bacteria remove the ammonia for you.