carbon filter in QT

[confusedfishy]

Thanks for all of this information, this help really is priceless. The lfs here is not too good with the info. the people working there just know freshwater and always give conflicting and mostly incorrect info. It has been a hair pulling challenge but really rewarding to learn about something I enjoy.

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
http:///forum/post/2601650
You are performing hypo, correct? The carbon is used to remove medication. It is fine to use when you are not medicating the tank. Leave the pad in. It has bacteria on it. You don't have the need to remove chemicals from the tank right now. Do you need other help? I noticed that you mentioned several other fish dying. Do you need help with the hypo? You will have to leave the display fish-less for six weeks, to be sure that all ich is gone.
Call me crazy, but why not start adding a non-carbon filter material to the tank, build up the bio-filter load and remove the carbon cartridge. Seems like the smarter way to go thus giving your self the option of using copper if hypo fails.

 

[confusedfishy]

yes, that would be a good option, but what would you recommend to replace that carbon with? Do you have a filter pad that works well in your system? Do you think I could add it before I take out the carbon, thus starting building before taking away...

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2601788
Call me crazy, but why not start adding a non-carbon filter material to the tank, build up the bio-filter load and remove the carbon cartridge. Seems like the smarter way to go thus giving your self the option of using copper if hypo fails.
Sure, that would work. The carbon isn't necessary.
Originally Posted by confusedfishy
http:///forum/post/2601942
yes, that would be a good option, but what would you recommend to replace that carbon with? Do you have a filter pad that works well in your system? Do you think I could add it before I take out the carbon, thus starting building before taking away...
What kind of filter is on the tank? On my QTs I have whisper HOB filters. You can add the carbon to the filter cartridge or leave it out. If you have the kind that already has the carbon built in, you can get some filter floss, add that to a nylon bag and place it in the QT. Allow it to gather bacteria and then throw out the carbon cartridge if you need to use medication.

 

[confusedfishy]

I have an Aqua-Tech Model 20-40 Power Filter. It has a filter pad that stays in and a carbon insert filter (you can buy replacements for it in packs of 3 at Walmart, Pet Smart, etc.-easy to find), I think the same kind that is in the Whisper Filter systems. I have a freshwater that I have had for years that has a whisper filter system on it that looks identical almost to the Aqua-tech.
I like the floss in the nylon bag idea...