Another brand said to rinse the carbon before putting it in an aquarium filter. Does this brand have to be rinsed? I am trying it for a cat litterbox.
1680314
All carbon leaves a dusty residue, which can cloud fish tank water and is why aquarium users rinse the carbon first. I wouldn't rinse when mixing with cat litter though. If you do rinse, remember to let it totally dry before mixing with cat litter. I also wouldn't mix a lot with cat litter as to avoid black kitty paw prints on floors or carpets.
1680315
I haven't tried using carbon in cat litter, but I do discard about two cups of water that I run through my aquarium reactor untill the water run's clear. I would have to say that it might be a good idea to rinse before using because it's possible it could turn the cat litter dark, if not black, plus it could also aid in opening the pours in the carbon to better absorb a cat box odor.
1680316
I use it for my cats water fountain, and it is necessary to rinse first for that application. I would suggest that it might transfer charcoal black on their paws and your floors, etc..
569489
Thanks for reminding me. Just checked out my carbon filter and it was filthy. No wonder I've been coughing and sneezing. Just ordered another combo pack through Amazon.
1410373
It seems to list two carbon filters for the one you seem to be mentioning, that has two outputs (one for aquarium and one for human consumption.) Usually the carbon filters keep the water from tasting off, but even with the one here on Amazon you will notice a taste that will show up until you fill up several gallons of the clean water, at which point that (plastic?) taste from the filter design dissipates. I don't consider it particularly a fish-only filter, and that it's only recommended for that use due to the possibility it might leak at the fittings and should only be operated temporarily for when it gets used. I've kept the filter in a bucket for storage and use, and attach it to a bathroom sink faucet, whenever I fill up a water container. The only concern I might have is I'm not 100% confident that this plastic tubing is safe for water consumption (though not all plastics contain BPA, etc.) however I believe it is best to only operate the filter system as needed, and probably store water in glass containers so that any contamination from plastic storage use gets minimized.
1484085
There shouldn't be any in like the main pitcher, but is fine if they are in the top filter area - I still get some carbon flakes in the top of my filter, but it shouldn't matter that much.
994792
Carbon is not necessary for use in an aquarium unless you are using medication or have some sort of impurity. In a planted tank it may also pull out of the water necessary trace elements and nutrients that are needed by plants. The purpose of having a filter is to provide aeration and a place for biological media to be established so that it can process ammonia and nitrite.
1974349
The Marineland Filter has "two" filters. A Carbon media filter, which I use the most. It filters dirt and "crud" out of the water (we use it for turtles, they can be very dirty) keeping it clean for a longer time. The second filter is what they call a micron filter. I have only used it once, but it also cleans the water (actually "polishes it" if that's possible). But, because we have turtles I find the carbon filter is my favorite.
2138586
This is a carbon filter made to filter out the impurities in your tap water, which is why I purchase it. I don't believe it would take care of syrup-like slobber as that is not what a carbon filter is made to do. I clean my fountain twice weekly because my Akita always manages to deposit dirt in the fountain every time she drinks. The filter I only rinse off with a hot spray and it cleans up nicely so I replace that about every 4-6 weeks. I have four dogs, three of which do slobber (not a lot) but I notice the dirt in the fountain not the slobber.
1428333
I am unsure Nathan. I actually just wash everything, except for the motor and filters, with soap and water (the motor I take apart and just carefully clean that with a q-tip). All of that seems to work fine. Just make sure you clean the bowl about once a week like the directions recommend. The water filter should be changed once every two weeks, and the filter that goes around the motor gets changed once a month. The unit works fine for our cats. =)
111889
Hello! I bought one of these reusable filters today, as I saw they were available again. If you check back a few times over the next week or so, they come back in stock. They had a big sale on the fountains today, so I am guessing that is why everyone bought these reusable filters today. There were 13 of them around noon todayIf you just need the carbon, you can get that at any pet store. But if you need the filter itself, I believe this one is only sold on Amazon
1618575
I cleaned my fountain once a week, and only really had to sponge it out. I recommend vinegar water &/or baking soda (used as an abrasive in a sponge) for cleaning. Make sure the charcoal filter is not exposed to either. (My cat liked washing his paws in it, so the residual litter caused me to change & clean frequently.)
666327
Everything that is needed to start filtering is included. Only things that are not included is the filter media, bio balls, etc. It all depends on the type of aquarium you are trying to set up (fresh water vs salt water). I run GFO in mine for my reef tank. Carbon is useful in just about any aquarium. If you do use a filter media, I would suggest buying filter bags as well, or else it will be spread through out the filter, caught in the filter floss, and wasted when you clean the filter weekly. Most medias last more than 2 weeks, so you want the ability to take the media you are using out and put it back in after you are finished cleaning. Or else you will have to replace the media, which wasn't fully used. Even with out the above materials, the added flow and filter floss will help in over all tank health.
111884
you can buy bags of carbon in pet supply stores/ look in the aquarium/fish tank supplysection. It is sold for use in fish tank filtersand is inexpensive.
866392
I've never had that happen to me but ZeroWater's troubleshooting page says that "The carbon inside the filter is rinsed before it's packed into the filter and will sometimes still be a bit wet when it's packaged. Having your filters arrive wet will not affect the performance of the filter." So I think you're ok.
1671320
Mostly because they are worried about rinsing the beneficial bacteria off of their used filter cartridges. I don't do that, I just rinse it off in tap water, but generally you clean the filters at the same time you do water changes, so it works out that you have the tank water hanging around. In my opinion, if the beneficial bacteria can be killed in your tank by rinsing the filter cartridge with tap water, then you have a very weak tank and maybe need some supplement.
2064421
Mine does this too! It's contaminating my fish tank. I also get carbon dust, even though I've rinsed, and re-rinsed the filters. The carbon dust accumulates on the leaves of my plants.
2255462
Hello William,Using carbon in addition would not be harmful in any way but is really not necessary.Chemi-Pure is a mix of high grade carbon and absorbtive resins.Resins are far more effective than carbon and also last longer.Generally if you do not overfeed your tank and do water changes regularly a 10oz jar of Chemi-Pure will last about 3 months and do a great job polishing up to 50 gals of water.If you have a larger tank use 2 jars.
431087
I have never had to do that, I put seachem carbon into this and then use white filter floss or filter pads in this cartridge, seal it close and then rinse under water. I've never had any carbon leak out. I suppose it all depends what size carbon you use. Marineland and API can be small and possibly come out, but I've never has a problem with Seachem's Carbon