Equipment Review and Discussion :: Filter Pads

[emma]

To anyone that has to change their filter pads like every week or so. For like a ReptoFilter, Whisper, etc.. I found a way to not have the water cloud up every time you put in a new pad.
Here is what I do- I do a total 100% change every Saturday. This is because my turtles are so messy. When I get my bigger tank I will only do partials. This is also when I change my filter pads. So instead of putting a new one in when the tank is all done, which makes it cloudy for the next 2-3 days or so, I just take the new pad and let it soak in the old tank water for about 2 minutes. Then I take it out, clean out the tank, and put the pad back in when everything else goes back in.
I don't know why, but my tank hasn't been cloudy ever since I started to do this. I just though I would share this if anyone doesn't want a cloudy tank anymore.

[Vtolds]

I would keep a close eye on Ammonia in your tank. it sounds ok in theory but problems could be caused by doing a 100% change every week. If you could afford a better filter system it would probably solve a lot of work for your self.

[emma]

Yeah, I just upgraded from that 20 gallon tank with the reptofilter to a 55 gallon with a xp3 and everything.

[mikee]

Emma -- That sound like a great set up. I use basicly the same set up for one of my tanks. I only have to change my filter every 3 to 4 months after I get over the new tank syndrome. After my bacteria gets going I change 50% every couple of weeks depending on chemical test and just that it is a good idea.