[stuckinthemiddle]

What purpose does the charcoal in filter serve?

 

[Toby_H]

It absorbs chemical pollutants from the water...

 

[stuckinthemiddle]

Does it ever go bad or old? I change my filter pads about about once a month and am just curious.

 

[ArcticCatRider]

Yes, after a few weeks, the charcoal begins to release the waste that it has collected.You should probably change the pads every 3 weeks. 4 weeksis kinda pushing it.Although I did 4 weeks sometimes..

 

[iceblue]

My charcoal just sits on a shelf. I have it thier in case of an emergency such as something spilling in the water or removing meds. (Knock on wood I have never had to use meds.)

Imo you really don't need it in a tank with good biological and mechanical filtration. Routine water changes and filter pad cleanings would go a lot further then anything charcoal would do for you.

 

[kewlkatdady]

I couldn't agree more... :thumb:

My charcoal just sits on a shelf. I have it thier in case of an emergency such as something spilling in the water or removing meds. (Knock on wood I have never had to use meds.)

Imo you really don't need it in a tank with good biological and mechanical filtration. Routine water changes and filter pad cleanings would go a lot further then anything charcoal would do for you.