How can I recharge my fish tank filter ?

Question

How can I recharge my fish tank filter ? Until I buy a new one !!

Answer 1

y do u need to buy a new one? filters r only really useful because of the bacteria inside, which can only accumulate through time. other media like carbon can actually be recycled. u put the carbon in a salt water solution and dry it. this will remove the impurities it has absorbed from the tank. so if u really want to get a new filter be sure to have some media from the old filter in the new one to continue the growth of bacteria in the filter. cheeros!

Answer 2

If your filter uses a foam block or fiber pad, get a separate (clean) container with tank water, and rinse the filter media in that - just sqeeze it out and work the material so most of the gunk is rinsed off - then you can put it back and reuse it.

As far as carbon, zeolite, or chemical adsorbing pads (ammonia, phosphate removers), there's not really a lot you can do with these yourself in most cases. The only exception is some of the newer media that can be added to bags in the filter that can be recharged like this one: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10684/product.web Each has it's own method of recharging, so you'll need to follow the directions for your specific type if that's what you have.