Just wanted to say I really appreciate this video. Straight to the point and I am really excited to be able to start saving some money on my filters. Also looking forward to not having to find the exact size for all of my different size filters. That alone is going to make life so much easier.
Great tips.. Thank you so much. I knew there had to be another way. I'm all about repurposing what you have around the house and diy projects. Thanks for the link for the filter pads. I was going to buy this but I wasn't aure about the quality it gives to the tank. This info is much appreciated!! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics sir can I buy some sponges and cut them to fit my hang on the back filter and add gravel into them to have surfaces area? Will that be enough. I have a african cichlid tank and I'm tired of buying cartridges. I got 2 filters running it
Bio balls are awesome. Lots of surface area to grow beneficial microbes. The downside to using the Penguin Series of HOBs like I have is they don't have a lot of room to hold media, but they've been running for a long time problem free.
Hello great video! Here is my solution, I use 1 filter pad in my penguin 200 and I bought the refillable media cartridges that marineland sells, a large container of charcoal last quite a while, and the original cartridge pad I just rinse it real good and use it over and over until it starts to fall apart. I get many uses out of them.
Thank you Does it also apply to 10 G tank? when you replaced the cartridge i noticed it releases lots of white material in water ... Shouldn't you wash it before place it in the tank?
Check out these other money-saving tips! ruclips.net/video/Fhbgj_QnhDw/видео.html Here is an Amazon Affiliate Link for bulk filter floss was well: amzn.to/2REAfW5 Use the link below to buy "White single density polyester filter sheets" Item number - FMP-WP jehmco.com/html/accessories_-_media.html#FilterPads If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! ruclips.net/channel/UCYVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
These filter companies are noticing this trend and have started selling their own bulk filter pads. Was at the Pmart yesterday and Marineland and Psmart were selling their own bags. Bout $6 for a pillow sized roll. Not bad. I'm still working on my 99 cent bag of polyfil I bought from Wallyworld 18months ago but I'll look into it.
Hi Jason. I have aquaclear filters that came with nice thick sponges. They do a fantastic job in trapping debris. I have been using them for a year now and they hold up really well. I have saved a lot of money due them holding up and not needing to replace them. If I ever have to replace them I will use what you do in your h.o.b filter’s. Thanks for the clever trick! 👍🐠 Sincerely, Marty Borst
Wow, what a small world! I was just looking up how to reuse my old filter and clicked on your video and as I start watching I stopped and said out loud to myself... “wait a second.. I know him..” and you said Jason, “Yes! he was my micro teacher!” It’s nice to see you again! You probably remember me as the pregnant girl that sat in the front row in Spring 2016. LolI hope your doing well!!
Haha! Oh man, your class was hard work but lots of fun! I’m glad to hear you’re doing well! And hey thanks for the tank filter info, I’ll be following you for tips as I’ve become quite obsessed with my little aquarium friends! I’ll have to pop in and say hi soon, but until then, take care!! Oh, and P.S. I had no idea you had tattoos hiding under your fancy shirts! Lol very nice!
Thank you. I did not know carbon is not optimal for planted tanks. This maybe why my plants look a bit sickly. I do fertilize so I will switch to fiber.
Seems like a great idea, i'd be willing to try, Do you not care about replacing the carbon? I saw someone asked about it below, and you gave a suggestion, but i'm wondering if you even feel like you need it. You've got 100 tanks that seem to be working well, i just have 1 to worry about. If you dont care about the carbon, then neither do i lol.
I don't use carbon in any of my tanks. I have a number of planted tanks, and carbon will neutralize some of the nutrients the plants need. I've never felt a need to use it.
BMW Stu I haven’t tried this yet but you could try putting carbon in empty tea bags then just plop them into the filter’s housing. When the carbon is all used up, simply pull on the strings to get them out. Then replace. :3
Hello just found your channel, I have Marineland 350 for a turtle tank, can using this pad w/o the charcoal inside still beneficial to keeping the water supply clean I have 29 gal with two turtles. Thanx for your tips
@Prime Time Aquatics the tap water doesn't kill the beneficial bacteria? I've been hearing people say every time you change your filter pads your throwing away your beneficial bacteria and possibly starting your cycle over? Is that true? Is the only place the beneficial bacteria live on the pads? What about the rest of the tank? When you put a fresh pad in thw beneficial bacteria has to come from somewhere?
Many years ago I thought I needed to do that. Then I switched to just changing out the media and not worrying about it. Never had an issue. That being said, I'm more careful for the first eight weeks after a new tank has been established. The surfaces of the tank hold lots of beneficial bacteria too in a well established tank.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics That's why I just drain almost everything out. I figure once established there's bacteria on everything in the tank. When I first started I mistakenly CLEANED everything glass,stuff inside.Gee the fish died oops. Now I empty it to just about dry and refill and fish are fine. A little to fine. Found out the hard way once that apparently they can JUMP when they get to a certain size. That's how I lost fish. Covered the tank now.
I'm a newbie and just started a little 5 gallon tank for my son. Would this idea work on HOB Topfin filters? Thanks for the vid btw this is great to know.
I have a 3.5 gallon betta tank i recently replaced the 2 week long filter cartridges with a mesh type bag that holds carbon and last 1 month and instantly it cleared up much better but I've seen other people use the sponges or the bio rings, what would you suggest for this sized tank? And is the carbon even necessary?
Great question! So, I don't use carbon because so many of my tanks are planted and carbon can remove some of the plant's nutrients. I generally use a combination or coarse sponge and filter floss.
Hello I have a question we have the Marineland Emperor 400 and have placed ammonia filter and carbon filter into the filter slots is this a good combination or do you recommend a better combination. We were recommended to do to this by our local saltwater aquarium business. We did have the regular filter and a carbon filter. Thank you for your time and help.
I haven't kept saltwater so if the tank is a saltwater tank I'm not sure. If it is freshwater I find both to be unnecessary. I just use filter floss and medium coarse filter sponges.
I love your videos I have 50 gallon with elagatis emanga African cichlids and catfish my filtration filter broke down can I use tetra whisper Q 60 gallons can I used my own carbon pad and foam in it cut out to size ?
I have a 5.5 gallon tank with a Top Fin Silenstream 10 Power Filter. For replacement, it’s asking for Top Fin Silenstream Small Filter Cartridges as a replacement for the filter media. Would I be able to do what you have suggested here or no?
Hi. Im not being cheap, im just trying to get by with all I got on me to wait up for Jenco delivery. So, I got a piece of density craft and cusshion foam. Can I use it to possibly substitute mechanical and/or mechanical media in my HOB filter? Just for a week or so.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Hm....lol. also, do u happen to have a video on UV sterilizer? Just a basic idea what does it do. If its too much to explain then no worries, ill find it on Google. Thanks for gr8 tips
@@PrimeTimeAquatics oh ok cool I might have to look into this. Is there anyway it might affect the Tannins in my water? I keep IAL in my tank for my Betta.
I use a hang on the back filter and I use a sponge in tank filter for my air pump. I change out my water weekly. In my hanging filter I use a sponge and filter floss. I normally change out my filter floss every two week. I have not change out my sponge filter in the past 3 months. I have not changed it because I thought it held the bacteria needed to balance my tank. Is this not true? Are you saying I should change this monthly?
We clean both every week. You could consider alternating every other week or two? If your tank looks good and you are having no issues it certainly isn’t necessary though.
Great video I will go to gemco and check it out! Thanks! I would like to know how to safely get rid of cloudy water in my new tank. I am very frustrated. It looks so bad and I cant enjoy my fish and am frankly embarrassed by it. :( please help. Thanks.
Only problem with this approach is the carbon. I have an Aqueon QuitFlow 20 LED Pro. The cartridges have carbon already in them. Because the QuietPro filter is small in tank size, there is really no way to add additional media to it like to add carbon.
Can I do the same thing with a filter thats in my tank? I Just started a tank and have a tetra whisper, I think. It came with the tank. I know it’s not the best filter but until I can get a better filter any recommendations??
You sure can. I have done the exact same thing with a tetra whisper filter. As long as it's moving water and you are satisfied with the noise level, there really isn't a need for another filter.
Not a dumb question at all! It depends on how gunked up they are and how many times they have been rinsed. You might be able to rinse them a couple times before having to replace the floss.
If you use 2, I would keep one old in there and swap out a new piece every water change. That way you can keep some of the bacteria in there - less biological disruption to the water/fish
@@PrimeTimeAquatics The person by the fish place said rinse once a week change once a month but my fish are half ways big I have to almost rinse it daily or it runs over into the over flow on the filter machine. I have one big hang on filter machine for the tank
@@PrimeTimeAquatics no carbon really?? so I bought some fish from Petsmart specifically Bala shark and a beta one of the fish was diseased and had it now my entire tank is sick. I’m using the ick super cure as well as Finn rot bacterial stuff and a few other things. I took out my filters per what the ick cure wants. I’m getting new filters today. Long story short I lost my Bala my rare zebra pleco and a betta. Petsmart has covered everything and they gave me a few fish as well as free meds. They took responsibility because I went in there today and they tried to deny it when I went over to their Paco tank. All their plecos were covered in ick!! Very sad and it’s crazy because I’ve never experienced this with any other private breeders. I have a 6 inch angelfish who is now experiencing fin rot because of them! It’s so scary! I’m just trying to find an easy cheaper solution for my filters I have a marine land 400 emperor. So you are telling me I don’t need carbon?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics i’m running a 50 gallon tank with multiple aeration systems a wave maker and the marine land filter. I’m going to change out my substrate since I’m using pebbles/gravel. I heard sand was a lot better and I’m also growing some plants that would like sand better.
Jason ..... can I remove the carbon and fill the cartridge with biomax substrate instead? Should that work well in the HOB? Right now the biomax is just dropped into the back of the filter, but I'm not sure if that's correct because the water hits it first. I'm thinking ditch carbon and stuff bio bag with the biomax substrate instead.
Yeah but is it wrong to place the ceramic media at first stage or should it be placed inside the bio bag where the carbon once was. That's my question.
I also added plastic pot scrubbies for extra surface area to act like bio balls. ..... here's the order in which water hits it .... biomax substrate, plastic pot scrubbers, filter cartrage insert, then a sponge.
Prime Time Aquatics thanks for the fast respond! So if you replace the floss after a month you just put in brand new floss? What about the beneficial bacteria inside the HOB?
It will still be present in the tank and coating the sides of the filter itself. I've never had an issue replacing the pads in the past (probably changed thousands of them by now). Haha. If you want to put a small piece of sponge in there as well you certainly can.
Can i use this on a Top Fin EF-S Element Filter Cartridges? it uses 2, it is for a 3.5 gallon Betta tank. So i guess i just pull out the old filters and pull off all of the old filter and just leave the plastic part and then just cut to size and squeeze it in each slot, does this sound right?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Awesome! I get to save some money throughout the year, and keep a beneficial cartridge on the filter longer till it's time to change. Thank you!
Thanks! I'm combining your advice with another gentleman who took the bags out of his HOB and put filter foam blocks. I bought the white stuff and charcoal (didn't know it came in sponge form). Looking forward to better filtration and saving money!
Just wanted to say I really appreciate this video. Straight to the point and I am really excited to be able to start saving some money on my filters. Also looking forward to not having to find the exact size for all of my different size filters. That alone is going to make life so much easier.
Great tips.. Thank you so much. I knew there had to be another way. I'm all about repurposing what you have around the house and diy projects. Thanks for the link for the filter pads. I was going to buy this but I wasn't aure about the quality it gives to the tank. This info is much appreciated!! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!
Should work well! :-)
@@PrimeTimeAquatics sir can I buy some sponges and cut them to fit my hang on the back filter and add gravel into them to have surfaces area? Will that be enough. I have a african cichlid tank and I'm tired of buying cartridges. I got 2 filters running it
I’ve ordered some filter floss on a roll and some foam roll also. You and Joanna are my aquatic gurus, my go to peeps. ♥️
Thank you for being here!
This is by far the best tip for (fishrooms especially) HOBs! I only use bio balls in mine and have great results. Good luck!
Bio balls are awesome. Lots of surface area to grow beneficial microbes. The downside to using the Penguin Series of HOBs like I have is they don't have a lot of room to hold media, but they've been running for a long time problem free.
Including bio balls you can also put pieces of lava rock in the back that is good because you can customize them
Hello great video! Here is my solution, I use 1 filter pad in my penguin 200 and I bought the refillable media cartridges that marineland sells, a large container of charcoal last quite a while, and the original cartridge pad I just rinse it real good and use it over and over until it starts to fall apart. I get many uses out of them.
I have an Aqueon and can’t find cartridges. Any help?
Thank you
Does it also apply to 10 G tank?
when you replaced the cartridge i noticed it releases lots of white material in water ... Shouldn't you wash it before place it in the tank?
You can certainly rinse it first.
Check out these other money-saving tips!
ruclips.net/video/Fhbgj_QnhDw/видео.html
Here is an Amazon Affiliate Link for bulk filter floss was well: amzn.to/2REAfW5
Use the link below to buy "White single density polyester filter sheets" Item number - FMP-WP
jehmco.com/html/accessories_-_media.html#FilterPads
If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! ruclips.net/channel/UCYVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Man thanks so much because I have three tanks and it was making a hole in my package, I was paying almost $12 for a large aqueon filter replacement.
These filter companies are noticing this trend and have started selling their own bulk filter pads. Was at the Pmart yesterday and Marineland and Psmart were selling their own bags. Bout $6 for a pillow sized roll. Not bad. I'm still working on my 99 cent bag of polyfil I bought from Wallyworld 18months ago but I'll look into it.
I've noticed that too! :-)
Hi Jason. I have aquaclear filters that came with nice thick sponges. They do a fantastic job in trapping debris. I have been using them for a year now and they hold up really well. I have saved a lot of money due them holding up and not needing to replace them. If I ever have to replace them I will use what you do in your h.o.b filter’s. Thanks for the clever trick! 👍🐠 Sincerely, Marty Borst
Ya, those sponges last for years which is nice. :-)
An intake sponge cover is your best investment
Wow, what a small world! I was just looking up how to reuse my old filter and clicked on your video and as I start watching I stopped and said out loud to myself... “wait a second.. I know him..” and you said Jason, “Yes! he was my micro teacher!” It’s nice to see you again! You probably remember me as the pregnant girl that sat in the front row in Spring 2016. LolI hope your doing well!!
Wow! That's crazy. I certainly remember you. Nice to hear from you. My class is studying the replication fork as we speak. Haha
Haha! Oh man, your class was hard work but lots of fun! I’m glad to hear you’re doing well! And hey thanks for the tank filter info, I’ll be following you for tips as I’ve become quite obsessed with my little aquarium friends!
I’ll have to pop in and say hi soon, but until then, take care!!
Oh, and P.S. I had no idea you had tattoos hiding under your fancy shirts! Lol very nice!
Haha. Don't be a stranger!
Micro? Microecon?
@@nochillkowa9493 I bet it’s Microbiology. This dude is a legit scientist!
Thank you. I did not know carbon is not optimal for planted tanks. This maybe why my plants look a bit sickly. I do fertilize so I will switch to fiber.
Yep. Cheap rolls of chemical free polyester wadding from arts and craft or bedding or linen stores. A few $ buys a few metres.
Seems like a great idea, i'd be willing to try, Do you not care about replacing the carbon? I saw someone asked about it below, and you gave a suggestion, but i'm wondering if you even feel like you need it. You've got 100 tanks that seem to be working well, i just have 1 to worry about. If you dont care about the carbon, then neither do i lol.
I don't use carbon in any of my tanks. I have a number of planted tanks, and carbon will neutralize some of the nutrients the plants need. I've never felt a need to use it.
Thank you so much for getting back! Looks like no more carbon for me! @@PrimeTimeAquatics
BMW Stu I haven’t tried this yet but you could try putting carbon in empty tea bags then just plop them into the filter’s housing. When the carbon is all used up, simply pull on the strings to get them out. Then replace. :3
Hello just found your channel, I have Marineland 350 for a turtle tank, can using this pad w/o the charcoal inside still beneficial to keeping the water supply clean I have 29 gal with two turtles. Thanx for your tips
You can do the same with a polster wadding roll. I did it for years on my discus tank. You'll save even more money using it.
Very true!
Thank you so much about this recommended I think u will put filter cartridge between them just close camera 👏👏👏 fantastic
What about your water filtration system? Will you be talking about that in the future?
Absolutely, it's on my list of future videos!
Sir can i use ceramic ring in filter by breaking them in to 2 or 3 pieces?
Will they still work the same?,
Should be fine
What's the best way to clean the filter floss and how often should you clean them?
We clean ours every week in tap water.
@Prime Time Aquatics the tap water doesn't kill the beneficial bacteria? I've been hearing people say every time you change your filter pads your throwing away your beneficial bacteria and possibly starting your cycle over? Is that true? Is the only place the beneficial bacteria live on the pads? What about the rest of the tank?
When you put a fresh pad in thw beneficial bacteria has to come from somewhere?
Could You do one for canister filters
How do i preserve the bacteria from my old filter cartridge when i change to this new one? Should i keep both in for a few weeks? Thanks for the tips!
Many years ago I thought I needed to do that. Then I switched to just changing out the media and not worrying about it. Never had an issue. That being said, I'm more careful for the first eight weeks after a new tank has been established. The surfaces of the tank hold lots of beneficial bacteria too in a well established tank.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics That's why I just drain almost everything out. I figure once established there's bacteria on everything in the tank. When I first started I mistakenly CLEANED everything glass,stuff inside.Gee the fish died oops. Now I empty it to just about dry and refill and fish are fine. A little to fine. Found out the hard way once that apparently they can JUMP when they get to a certain size. That's how I lost fish. Covered the tank now.
I'm a newbie and just started a little 5 gallon tank for my son. Would this idea work on HOB Topfin filters? Thanks for the vid btw this is great to know.
Yep - it works for them all !
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks! 👊
Do you recommend using a filter sponge pad in addition to the filter media? Or is one or the other fine?
I like to combine them. But using only one is fine.
Very Helpful
I have a 3.5 gallon betta tank i recently replaced the 2 week long filter cartridges with a mesh type bag that holds carbon and last 1 month and instantly it cleared up much better but I've seen other people use the sponges or the bio rings, what would you suggest for this sized tank? And is the carbon even necessary?
Great question! So, I don't use carbon because so many of my tanks are planted and carbon can remove some of the plant's nutrients. I generally use a combination or coarse sponge and filter floss.
Amazing! Thank you!
Look how young you were!!! 🤣
Can you just jam the media in there if you don't have the original plastic inserts? How densely packed is safe?
Ya, that's usually what I do. I try not to jam too much in there - don't want water running out the back :-)
Hello I have a question we have the Marineland Emperor 400 and have placed ammonia filter and carbon filter into the filter slots is this a good combination or do you recommend a better combination. We were recommended to do to this by our local saltwater aquarium business. We did have the regular filter and a carbon filter. Thank you for your time and help.
I haven't kept saltwater so if the tank is a saltwater tank I'm not sure. If it is freshwater I find both to be unnecessary. I just use filter floss and medium coarse filter sponges.
Yes it is saltwater thank you for your time
I love your videos I have 50 gallon with elagatis emanga African cichlids and catfish my filtration filter broke down can I use tetra whisper Q 60 gallons can I used my own carbon pad and foam in it cut out to size ?
That's probably what I would do!
So you only use floss with media on top right? Is it better not to use carbon if you have plants?
Yep - just floss and sometimes some sponge.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks fish daddy
he moment I saw your video I got filter floss for my HOB filter. How often do you change the filter floss or do you just clean them monthly?
It kind of depends on the stocking levels, but for most of our tanks we switch it out weekly.
I was just wondering how often you would change these out?
In our heavily stocked tanks we change the floss weekly. In lightly stocked tanks the floss can last for at least 3-4 weeks.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks that's very helpful.
Got any Amazon links to this stuff? The website doesn’t want my purchase apparently because there’s no option to buy...
Hey - there should be a link in the description! Thank You!
I have a 5.5 gallon tank with a Top Fin Silenstream 10 Power Filter. For replacement, it’s asking for Top Fin Silenstream Small Filter Cartridges as a replacement for the filter media. Would I be able to do what you have suggested here or no?
Yes, I use my own filter floss in every HOB I have ever owned.
Hi. Im not being cheap, im just trying to get by with all I got on me to wait up for Jenco delivery. So, I got a piece of density craft and cusshion foam. Can I use it to possibly substitute mechanical and/or mechanical media in my HOB filter? Just for a week or so.
I'm not sure since I haven't used it?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics
Hm....lol. also, do u happen to have a video on UV sterilizer? Just a basic idea what does it do. If its too much to explain then no worries, ill find it on Google. Thanks for gr8 tips
Do you rinse them off and reuse it until it falls apart? Or do you just replace it every month?
If the pads aren't too gummed up I do rinse them off. : -)
@@PrimeTimeAquatics oh ok cool I might have to look into this. Is there anyway it might affect the Tannins in my water? I keep IAL in my tank for my Betta.
Deja vu. Nice
can i use this for my 3.5 gallon tank?
Sure, we use it in all our nano tank filters.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you i wish i saw your video before i got a sponge filter for my 15 gallon tank lol
marineland penguine 375, how do you know what filter to buy from jehmco?
I would call them. They will ask you a bunch of questions that will help you through the process.
I use a hang on the back filter and I use a sponge in tank filter for my air pump. I change out my water weekly. In my hanging filter I use a sponge and filter floss. I normally change out my filter floss every two week. I have not change out my sponge filter in the past 3 months. I have not changed it because I thought it held the bacteria needed to balance my tank. Is this not true? Are you saying I should change this monthly?
We clean both every week. You could consider alternating every other week or two? If your tank looks good and you are having no issues it certainly isn’t necessary though.
Thank you for the quick reply. Love your videos
Great video I will go to gemco and check it out! Thanks! I would like to know how to safely get rid of cloudy water in my new tank. I am very frustrated. It looks so bad and I cant enjoy my fish and am frankly embarrassed by it. :( please help. Thanks.
I usually start with ammonia and/or nitrite water testing. With newer tanks that can be the issue.
I am very new to this, could I just put a cut to size piece of sponge filter media?
Sure! The floss helps catch more debris, but I often use both in my hang on back filters.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Perfect, thanks!
Is there a good option like this for Canada?
You still rip the old filter out but you apologize first
What is the web address to gemco for the white filter pads thanks
jehmco.com
Only problem with this approach is the carbon. I have an Aqueon QuitFlow 20 LED Pro. The cartridges have carbon already in them. Because the QuietPro filter is small in tank size, there is really no way to add additional media to it like to add carbon.
Thank you so much!
Can I do the same thing with a filter thats in my tank? I Just started a tank and have a tetra whisper, I think. It came with the tank. I know it’s not the best filter but until I can get a better filter any recommendations??
You sure can. I have done the exact same thing with a tetra whisper filter. As long as it's moving water and you are satisfied with the noise level, there really isn't a need for another filter.
Prime Time Aquatics Thank you so much! 😁
When I was growing up I hardly ever changed this only when it was real bad. And my fish always survived
Bad for the pump though, and if your fish thrive they are bigger stronger, active and more colorful.
Does the Floss from Amazon work good for the forza 5-15?
Yep!
Maybe a dumb question but does it work to rinse off filters and reuse them?
Not a dumb question at all! It depends on how gunked up they are and how many times they have been rinsed. You might be able to rinse them a couple times before having to replace the floss.
If you use 2, I would keep one old in there and swap out a new piece every water change. That way you can keep some of the bacteria in there - less biological disruption to the water/fish
@@PrimeTimeAquatics The person by the fish place said rinse once a week change once a month but my fish are half ways big I have to almost rinse it daily or it runs over into the over flow on the filter machine. I have one big hang on filter machine for the tank
What kind of filter floss do you use. ?
I now buy it from amazon mostly. There should be a link in the description.
Thanks
Everything is fire retardant! Can it be used Jason?
I do that same thing with sponge.. just rinse it in tank water and put it back
frankman1971 Glad to hear it works for you too!
Will this work with any type of sponge ?
what about adding carbon.???
We don't add carbon to any of our tanks - haven't found it to make that much of a difference.
Gemco?
Jehmco.com
cool!
You're Eli's dad you know me remember you went to the museum for a field trip and I am Elis friend
Awesome! Thanks for watching
What about the carbon?
I never use it
@@PrimeTimeAquatics no carbon really?? so I bought some fish from Petsmart specifically Bala shark and a beta one of the fish was diseased and had it now my entire tank is sick. I’m using the ick super cure as well as Finn rot bacterial stuff and a few other things. I took out my filters per what the ick cure wants. I’m getting new filters today. Long story short I lost my Bala my rare zebra pleco and a betta. Petsmart has covered everything and they gave me a few fish as well as free meds. They took responsibility because I went in there today and they tried to deny it when I went over to their Paco tank. All their plecos were covered in ick!! Very sad and it’s crazy because I’ve never experienced this with any other private breeders. I have a 6 inch angelfish who is now experiencing fin rot because of them! It’s so scary! I’m just trying to find an easy cheaper solution for my filters I have a marine land 400 emperor. So you are telling me I don’t need carbon?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics i’m running a 50 gallon tank with multiple aeration systems a wave maker and the marine land filter. I’m going to change out my substrate since I’m using pebbles/gravel. I heard sand was a lot better and I’m also growing some plants that would like sand better.
👍
Dude your elbow tattoo! 🕸️
💛💚💙💛💚💙
What about carbon?
I never use it
Why didn't I know about this when I had that 2 of those filters on my 55 gallon X_X. So much cheaper.
At one point I calculated it saved me about $25 - $30 per month based on the number of tanks I had at the time, which were all running HOBs.
Jason ..... can I remove the carbon and fill the cartridge with biomax substrate instead? Should that work well in the HOB? Right now the biomax is just dropped into the back of the filter, but I'm not sure if that's correct because the water hits it first. I'm thinking ditch carbon and stuff bio bag with the biomax substrate instead.
Absolutely! I don’t use the carbon because I have plants in so many tanks.
Yeah but is it wrong to place the ceramic media at first stage or should it be placed inside the bio bag where the carbon once was. That's my question.
I put it in a bag. It’s usually on top of the pile.
I also added plastic pot scrubbies for extra surface area to act like bio balls. ..... here's the order in which water hits it .... biomax substrate, plastic pot scrubbers, filter cartrage insert, then a sponge.
That'll work!
Whats inside the HOB except for the floss? And if there is something else inside the HOB can you give me the link! Love all your vids btw 😄😄
I just keep floss in mine. Sometimes I'll add a piece of sponge just to hold it in place. Thanks for watching!
Prime Time Aquatics thanks for the fast respond! So if you replace the floss after a month you just put in brand new floss? What about the beneficial bacteria inside the HOB?
It will still be present in the tank and coating the sides of the filter itself. I've never had an issue replacing the pads in the past (probably changed thousands of them by now). Haha. If you want to put a small piece of sponge in there as well you certainly can.
I just bought cartridges with carbon in them , do i rinse them with my sink water or tank water ?
You can rinse new ones in the sink since they are sterile anyway.
when my filter floss is dirty, should i throw it away or re use it? pls help sir.
I generally just toss it, but if it's not really bad you can rinse it and reuse it too.
thank you
Okay but what about carbon?
I don't use it
Can i use this on a Top Fin EF-S Element Filter Cartridges? it uses 2, it is for a 3.5 gallon Betta tank. So i guess i just pull out the old filters and pull off all of the old filter and just leave the plastic part and then just cut to size and squeeze it in each slot, does this sound right?
Yep - that's what I would do!
So basically it's reusable, you just got to rinse off and squeeze out the nasty stuff?
You can get away with that a couple times. :-)
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Awesome! I get to save some money throughout the year, and keep a beneficial cartridge on the filter longer till it's time to change. Thank you!
Save money, live better.
I’m sorry did you say $1 per cartridge for a month is pretty expensive? Dang man
We change ours weekly and once you start adding more than one tank it gets expensive in a hurry :-)
Man, those cartridges are bologna. Things start causing a a blockage in less than a week in my aqueon.
I find the DIY filter pads way more cost effective!
Ok, so I'm being stupid here... where does the charcoal go then? My filter uses the bags with the charcoal inside.
Not a stupid question at all. You can still place charcoal in a filter bag in the back with the filter floss.
Thanks! I'm combining your advice with another gentleman who took the bags out of his HOB and put filter foam blocks. I bought the white stuff and charcoal (didn't know it came in sponge form). Looking forward to better filtration and saving money!
BTW-- LOVE your channel!I would love to see some info on water flow. I often see others' fish struggling due to unnatural currents in tanks.
Prime Time Aquatics I sometime used my wife's old tights and put charcoal in at the bottom of the toe. Then made a knot in it, cutting off the excess.
I get my polly for free, from a local apolstery shop. The owner saves his scraps for me.