Which filter should I use

[jayster]

I have a Magnum 350 delux canister that came with a carnob/media container and a micron cartridge. So I guess its a convertable filter. Either container is surrounded by a blue filter sleave, I assume to catch the bigger particles. I have been running the carbon filter for 10 weeks now and am wondering if it is time for a media change?
Also, under what circumstances should I use the paper cartridge instead of the Carbon? Are there any advantages to either cartridge?

 

[sebae0]

depending on how much carbon you can fit in there i would change it about every 10 to 12 weeks. the paper cartridge is a micron filter used to catch smaller particles than the blue one, it does tend to clog up quickly reducing flow but does work well.
jmo

 

[jayster]

do I use the paper instead of the carbon? and then rince out the paper more often rather than buying new carbon? Is carbon better overall, i.e. for bacteria grouth, etc?

 

[surfnturf]

You can use carbon as a biological media, but in that case, you would not want to replace more than half of it at a time, just rinse it in the old tank water every time you do a water change.