Should I use this product alone to filter my tank, or should I use another pad in conjunction with it?
1477506
Being a avid aquariast for 50 years I have found that this pad is well constucted.You can trim it with a pair of scissors to fit an outside the tank filter if need be.It claims to have carbon fibers in it's weave;hence the black color.I was not happy with it's filtration quality.The weave of the pad leans on the courser side,thus allowing very small particles to pass through.Water clarity not crystal clear.Found white fiber pads do a better job,coupled with carbon either in a mess bag,or made into the pad,as many manufacturers sell them these days;plus they are made to fit their filters.A bit more in price,but a good rinse to recharge them will give you a few added miles. Being a avid aquariast for 50 years I have found that this pad is well constucted.You can trim it with a pair of scissors to fit an outside the tank filter if need be.It claims to have carbon fibers in it's weave;hence the black color.I was not happy with it's filtration quality.The weave of the pad leans on the courser side,thus allowing very small particles to pass through.Water clarity not crystal clear.Found white fiber pads do a better job,coupled with carbon either in a mess bag,or made into the pad,as many manufacturers sell them these days;plus they are made to fit their... » Read More Being a avid aquariast for 50 years I have found that this pad is well constucted.You can trim it with a pair of scissors to fit an outside the tank filter if need be.It claims to have carbon fibers in it's weave;hence the black color.I was not happy with it's filtration quality.The weave of the pad leans on the courser side,thus allowing very small particles to pass through.Water clarity not crystal clear.Found white fiber pads do a better job,coupled with carbon either in a mess bag,or made into the pad,as many manufacturers sell them these days;plus they are made to fit their filters.A bit more in price,but a good rinse to recharge them will give you a few added miles. « Show Less
1477507
Ahealthy aquaria for hour fish should include the 3 stages of filtration ;:chemical biological and mechanical I believe carbom is to nice clear water other shun the use but threse pads also offer mechanical and a certain amount of biological filtration . One of mg tanks although smalller I jusr use a poly pad a carbon pad and an amonia pad it does just fine as lo g as I just keep rogsti g pads o e at a time never change all tbe pads at once
1477508
I use it only with Seachem Matrix biological media. The carbon pad traps both large and small debris while clarifying the water, so there is no need for another floss/pad type media in my set up.
1861602
Aqua Clear 70 would do a good job. The XY-2831 would also be a great supplemental filter to place on the opposite end of the tank to add air and beneficial bacteria to the water. I use both filters and they work very well. Never wash the filters with tap water when cleaning. Use the removed tank water when you do a water change out. This will keep the beneficial bacteria alive in the filter media. Both filters will last for many years...
1115711
Well this kind of respirator is meant to be used when working with chemical fumes, but I'd say even with the prefilter pads you are good to go. Maybe add the Organic Vapor filter to add something on top of that. Hope that helps.
1813527
I would advise not laying this on its side..if you have a stand it will fit underneath your tank..you can also sit it beside your tank..it not that big to take up that much space...but if you really are pushed for space then maybt you should invest in a HOB filter then...
2205705
no you have to buy the filtering media separately but trust me we got this for a nasty turtle tank and the thing is crystal clear and you only have to clean the media out like once a month. the media can last about a year if you just take it out and flush it under hot water. best thing is the pump is very quiet and easy to set up the only thing is when you unpack the hoses you might have to twist them the opposite direction because they tend to want to curl SunSun Canister Filter Media SetAbove is the link to what you will want to get it might help to buy 2 of them so that you will be set for a while. by far the best filtration system for the money. no you have to buy the filtering media separately but trust me we got this for a nasty turtle tank and the thing is crystal clear and you only have to clean the media out like once a month. the media can last about a year if you just take it out and flush it under hot water. best thing is the pump is very quiet and easy to set up the only thing is when you unpack the hoses you might have to twist them the opposite direction because they tend to want to curl SunSun Canister Filter Media SetAbove is the link to... » Read More no you have to buy the filtering media separately but trust me we got this for a nasty turtle tank and the thing is crystal clear and you only have to clean the media out like once a month. the media can last about a year if you just take it out and flush it under hot water. best thing is the pump is very quiet and easy to set up the only thing is when you unpack the hoses you might have to twist them the opposite direction because they tend to want to curl SunSun Canister Filter Media SetAbove is the link to what you will want to get it might help to buy 2 of them so that you will be set for a while. by far the best filtration system for the money. « Show Less
1416054
It's best to use both filters. Your tank may have a build up of waste from the fish and also left over food, this can make your tank smell.. The easiest way I have found to clean my tanks, is with a Gravel Vacuum. It syphons the water out as it cleans debri out of the gravel. You normally want to take out no more than half of the water , but 1/4 is usually what's recommended. After cleaning your tank you can add some Quick Start to replenish the good bacteria. It's good to clean your tank once or twice a month and replace one of your filters every 2 to 4 weeks, always adding the Quick Start to the water after cleaning. I hope this has been helpful, I wish you and your fish the best!! : ) It's best to use both filters. Your tank may have a build up of waste from the fish and also left over food, this can make your tank smell.. The easiest way I have found to clean my tanks, is with a Gravel Vacuum. It syphons the water out as it cleans debri out of the gravel. You normally want to take out no more than half of the water , but 1/4 is usually what's recommended. After cleaning your tank you can add some Quick Start to replenish the good bacteria. It's good to clean your tank once or twice a month and replace one of your filters every 2 to 4 weeks, always adding the Quick Start... » Read More It's best to use both filters. Your tank may have a build up of waste from the fish and also left over food, this can make your tank smell.. The easiest way I have found to clean my tanks, is with a Gravel Vacuum. It syphons the water out as it cleans debri out of the gravel. You normally want to take out no more than half of the water , but 1/4 is usually what's recommended. After cleaning your tank you can add some Quick Start to replenish the good bacteria. It's good to clean your tank once or twice a month and replace one of your filters every 2 to 4 weeks, always adding the Quick Start to the water after cleaning. I hope this has been helpful, I wish you and your fish the best!! : ) « Show Less
347953
I don't remember it's been too long since I ordered it but you will want more than one pad anyway. I would say you need at least two. That way when one is dirty you have another one accessible.
403469
You purchase a foam pad and a filter pad. They fit in the cube together. I think it does a pretty good job. I have 4 fish in my tank. I change the filter pad about every 5 weeks and then wash out the foam pad. My light has lasted about a year and is still working. I see this is a defect in this cube. I'm on my 2nd one since I've owned the tank...so that's something to consider. The water evaporates quickly in this tank because there's no top. I add more water almost every day.
513814
As Hometown 72 said, each filter has its specific use. I have both fresh water tropical and goldfish ( in different tanks of course). I use the zeolite for the goldfish and carbon for my freshwater tropical. With the marina filter using two filters, I change one out every 1st of the month and then the second one out around the middle of the month. It really helps to keep the tank clean. I buy bulk through amazon and save that way on the cost.
2141080
From what I understand you can use either filter in the unit. I love mine. I'm using the one that came with it currently, but then bought the better filter in a six pack at Costco.
755904
You are welcome. I have used various filters and absolutely rely on Aquaclear. Cut white felt to fit over the sponge to add an extra layer of filtration. Best if changed ever 2 or 3 days. You will understand once you see what is filtered out.Keep me posted.M.
704500
I bought two of these pads, one regular size and one extra large, which is thicker, to use alone. The regular size is not much but might be enough on top of a mattrress. The extra large is thicker.
729778
I think it would depend on the dimensions of the tank. A good portion of the filter should be submerged. However, they do make a bottom filtration system, but they require more cleaning than these filters. I would still contact a pet store and ask someone what the best filter is for your environment.
1813932
I use a 10 gallon pump with this. I don't think the tank or filter matters.
1780788
I have been using theses filters for ever, I would suggest moving up to one size bigger, the larger has an extension tube that comes with it, this one only goes about 6" into the water. When it comes to filtration, bigger is better if you have room, the larger has 2 chambers/holds 2 media inserts, you will be much happier and the tank will be much cleaner, and there isn't a lot of difference in the cost.
1045505
Just rinse the pad out weekly. There's plenty of good bacteria growing all over the substrate so you're not going to destroy it by rinsing. My pad is over a year old and works fine.
1416053
Your supposed to used both. The more filtration the better. Also depends on how many fish you have.