HOB Filter Media ?

[Darkwynd]

So, it occurs to me that I've been running my AquaClear 50 for a little over 18 months without changing any of the filter media. I've had a sponge on the intake for a significant chunk of that time so I suppose the sponge in the filter is probably still good, and I assume there's no reason to ever change your bio media, but my carbon is definitely worthless at this point. My question is, should I even bother getting a replacement carbon bag or just chuck it and not worry about it? I'm pretty sure I've heard others on here questioning the usefulness of the carbon bags in AquaClears before, just wondering what the consensus is.

On a side note, I'm thinking of getting a sponge filter to have in my main 20g that I can put over into an extra tank when necessary (for a place to put the pl*cos I need to get out of the main until I can find homes for them, and then as a QT). Any advice on what to look for?

[supadave]

You can just toss that old carbon bag . After 18 months....it's probably doing more harm than good . You really don't need the carbon..unless you are removing meds . If I were you ...I would add more bio-media or just add another sponge . As for as adding a sponge filter for future use on another tank....I would use the Hydro spnges . They are usually less than $10 and they come with weighted bottom .

[Darkwynd]

Decided to go with extra bio media.

As for the sponge filter: I'm too impatient to order a Hydro Sponge and too lazy to drive to a LFS right now (stupid West side of town), so I'm attempting to make my own. Wish me luck...