Author Topic: Re-using Filters (Read 5262 times) 4 replies

Carol · « **on:** February 02, 2013, 11:47:55 AM »

Hello,

In my pump I have two areas for filters, one for just a filter, the other area optional either a filter or carbon filter (hope that makes sense??)

Please don't all shout at me if this is a really silly question......

I cleaned the pump a week ago and put in a new filter then due to a mystery with what is wrong with my fish in the tank at present (see my other message under 'The Emergency Room') I changed the filter to a carbon filter instead as a safety measure.

As the filter is relatively new and only replaced a week ago - can I keep it an re-use it another time?

So....

should I keep the filter in a jug of tank water?
should I let the filter dry out?
should i throw it in the bin?

If this is the most stupid question you have ever heard

- please dont' shout but you can give me 1st prize award for being a wally!!

Thanks Carol

Sue · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2013, 12:35:52 PM »

Let me see if I have this straight.
Your pump has space (1) for a filter and another space (2) for another filter or carbon.
You put a filter into the space (2) a week ago, then took it out and replaced it with carbon.

Have you done anything to the filter in (1)?
What exactly is the filter you put in (2) a week ago then replaced with carbon?

If the filter is just sponge or ceramics, it should be OK if it dries out or keeping in some tank water. From a bacteria point of view there wll be hardly any in the filter after such a short time.
But if the filter is something different, I'd need to know what it is before I can say what to do with it.

Carol · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2013, 10:24:42 AM »

Hi Sue,

Yes you do have it straight.

Filter 1 - I just swished through in a bucket of tank water to make sure not blocked up.
Filter 2 - The filter is sponge.

Since taking the filter out I have kept it in a jug of tank water but obviously concerned the water may go stale. If I do keep it in tank water do I have to replace the water regularly?

Good to know I can dry the filter out and re-use at another time, maybe the best option if hardly any bacteria on this one as almost new.

Whilst I'm aksing.... Does the same rules apply if it is an older filter or should you throw those older filters away?

Thanks again Sue (I really thought I was asking a daft question but glad I did now!)

Carol

Sue · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2013, 10:34:47 AM »

If you keep the filter in water, just make sure it doesn't get smelly

The risk with an old filter is that it's likely to be full of gunge and this could go off if kept in water. And any bacteria in it would die whether in water (no food) or dry and could possibly cause problems if reused. Personally, I would throw away an old one, but that might be just me

Carol · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2013, 02:40:34 PM »

Thanks Sue once again for your help and advice - more knowledge i've gained from you!

Carol

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Re-using Filters

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