Im new and NEED help!!

Hello and welcome to 3reef

 

Welcome to 3reef! I would use the carbon in one of the chambers at least. Carbon helps greatly to absorb toxins in the water. I don't know about the white cylinders. What are they for?

 

welcome to 3 reef
just to add, you do need to rinse those sponges regulary, in the water from the tank your going to throw away at water change time

its a good idea to give the carbon a rinse at the same time, to get rid of any detrius build up

once your tank looks a bit yellowy or not prefectly clear, thats when you need to throw away the carbon and replace with new



Steve

 

How often do you think I have to replace it though on average?

 

This really depends on the bio-load you have. When I was using media bags, I would use 1.5 cups of activated seachem carbon and i wouldn't change it for about 2 months. You can definitely see when the water starts being just not as clear as it used to be. That would vary greatly depending on your tank and its inhabitants. Most people change their carbon monthly, but that's not a guide to go by. You have to look at your water and it will definitely tell you when. I am currently using one of BRS's dual reactors instead.