Hi,
I've noticed some of you saying that you DON'T use carbon in your filters. I have an Eheim canister (2213, I think) and I just use what came with it (only had it a week, so I haven't had to wash it or examine closely). I also have an Eclipse 3 hood, which has a biowheel and cartridges. The cartridges, which are "supposed" to be changed every water change, are blue floss over carbon.

1. Do I need to change these every water change, or is a rinsing in fish water enough?

2. Is there a reason, other than medication, not to use carbon?

3. Can I make my own filters by using just floss and/or biomedia?

Thanks again--you guys are amazing! There's so much to learn.

I personally only use carbon to remove medications from my tank.Carbon doesn't last very long in filters so IMO its best just to use to aid medication removal as carbon needs replaced on a weekly basis or sooner dependant on filtration system used.

Thanks, Blue. I just noticed that Nenn's thread is nearly identical and now has responsesjava script:emoticon(':rolleyes:', 'smid_18')
, so I'll just read there for more info. No need for anyone else to reply to me, unless they want to!

IT is nearly identical. But in the case of an Eclispe hood and the cartridge in that one, you have a few more options. Yes, knock the carbon out of the cartridge. Slit it on the side away from the flow from the pump so it does not push the floss open. You can stuff the cartridge with media or, as I have done, I peeled away the blue floss from an old cartridge. You can fill it with media and stuff it in a stocking or a bag you buy at the fish store ( I made my own bags from netting. Stockings will break down over time and disintigrate). Then, cut a pad of filter floss that you buy in bulk (see other thread) to fit on top of the cartridge/media. This will add extra media to your system. You have no need of the carbon in the cartridge or the cannister unless you specifically wish to bind something from the water. Once you do that, the carbon should be removed anyway.