Filter problem

[apistoguitarra]

Ok, I have a HOB filter with carbon. I think the carbon is affecting my PH. I've heard of this happening, but just wanted to make sure it was true. So here is my question... what should I do if the filter is causing a problem? I was thinking about just taking out the carbon and slipping a sponge on the intake tube. This would function just like a sponge filter, correct?

Thanks,
David

 

[tjudy]

Wha type of filter is it? It may be possible to use a filter without the carbon at all. Carbon is HOB filters has a very short life span. I change the carbon in my big Penguin filters once every two weeks, and that is probably to little.

 

[apistoguitarra]

I believe it is a whisper, the one with the carbon pouch and bio-foam. It is currently filtering a divided 30-gal with 4 cacatuoides in it. I think the carbon needs to be changed soon, but would that affect the PH?

Thanks,
David

 

[farm41]

I don't use carbon at all, never have seen a reason too.

 

[tjudy]

I use carbon, especially in tank that I am feeding heavily in. Carbon will remove discoloration and the compounds that cause odors... which are also the compounds that can break down and decrease the pH. If the carbon is no longer effective the pH can go down.

Use can use the Whipser Bio Bags without carbon. Either do not put any in or take what come in the cartridge out. If you are buying non-refillable cartridges (like Ginger Products), then this will be difficult.

If you want to use HOB filters and not use carbon, I suggest switching over to Aquaclear filters. They can be loaded with large sponges (as well as largeg carbon bags) that are more effective as mechanical/biological filtration that the vertical wall cartridge filters like Whisper or Penguin.

The Penguin biowheel filters, however, are my choice if I want to use carbon because the biological filtration of the wheel is so effective. The larger models also allow for the use of a separate refillable carbon cartridge that sits in front of the floss cartridge. The biowheel can be removed and stored in a plastic bag for a few days if I need to medicate with something that might hurt the bacteria.

For the most part I use sponge filters. Only my big tanks that need more water movement have power filters (HOB or canister) on them.

 

[apistoguitarra]

So carbon wouldn't cause the ph to go up, because that's what my problem is? I also have black sand in the tank but I tested it by letting it sit in a cup of water for a day, and it didn't affect my ph.

Oh and about the aquaclear, yeah I have a aquaclear 500 (the new model) on my 45-gal and I like it a lot, that's definetely what I will use from now on.

One more thing, I just want to let all of you know that petsmart.com still has all the prices for the old aquaclear models. So what is $72 in the store is $31.69 online.

David

 

[Mike Wise]

Carbon for aquarium use varies in quality. Depending on how it is produced it can alter pH. I have had experience with carbon while being a supervisor on a "pump & treat" Superfund site.

 

[apistoguitarra]

So do you have any favorite brands of high quality that wouldn't affect ph?

Thanks for the input,
David

 

[Mike Wise]

I don't use carbon in my tanks. The best quality carbons that I know about are industrial grade, & only come in 100 pound bags (or bulk by the ton). I was once tempted to salvage a broken bag on the site, but considering what were trying to clean up, I decided it wasn't worth the risk of bringing any possible contamination home.

 

[aspen]

i never use carbon either. water changes work pretty well for me.

rick

 

[apistoguitarra]

Thanks for all the help.

David