Replacing Filter Question.

My tank is roughly in the 3-4the week and it seems as though cyling process is over... Ammonia:0 Nitrites:0 Nitrates 20-30

I was wondering if i should change the filter media... Currently I'm using the standard HOB Quiet Flow which comes with the tank... I took a look at the filter and it does look pretty dirty but I wanted to double check before i lose any beneficial bacteria...

Also I plan on adding my first O.Clown in the next day or so...

What do you recommend I do?

 

I would change it, and do a 50% water change before you add the clown.

 

agreed.

Def time to change it - be sure to add lots of carbon - it will help everything!

Definately do a 50% WC before you add your clown.

Good luck!!

 

Ok I will change it today, also can someone explain to me how this carbon works, where do i add it, how much do i need, etc... Pics would greatly help!

Thanks for the advice!

 

Also, I just checked my filter on google and found that it is an Aqueon Quiet Flow 30... and supposedly the filter media already has activated carbon in it... Are you suggesting I add more activated carbon ? This is the filter cartridge..

Aqueon Replacement Filter Cartridges at PETCO

 

Well, the filter cartridge has carbon in it. That's why it's more than just a filter pad. It's premeasured and all that for you. The HOB needs to be changed every 2 weeks.

 

Can't you run it without the carbon and just the filter material? Some people don't use carbon at all. I have never changed the carbon, I do rinse the pad every other week. I'm only asking because this is what I do and I haven't seen any problems my water seems great. But then again, I'm still learning myself!

 

You're building up yellowing agents (gebstalff, or something like that). Run carbon for 2 weeks after not running it for a year, and see the difference in your water clarity.

Also, if you have zoanthids, chalices, caulerpa, or any other species that emits a toxin, you're gradually building up levels of animal-killing toxins, which is obviously bad. Carbon removes that stuff.

 

Fair enough! Thanks, guess I will start replacing that thing instead of just rinsing. I've also just posted a question about sumps. I could keep a bag of carbon there correct? Placed in between layers of filter matieral... I've also read that carbon can leach phosphates. Is this one of those things that are true but insignificant?

 

It's insignificant, and only happens if you use a low-quality carbon.

You can just put it in the sump, but it's best in a reactor. If you have it in the sump, put it at the bottom of your drain line, so it gets as much flow as you can.