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Hello Guys,

first of all, thanks to everyone for forming such a great community and website, my 20+ year old RES Leonardo has really benefited recently in his new home as well as his general well-being!

I recently bought a U3 as Leonardo is a small adult (<4 inches) in a 40 gallon stock tank. I was wondering is Purigen could be used instead of the carbon in the chemical component of the filter? I was thinking of putting the Purigen in a small mesh bag in order to save on the constant carbon filter changes.

The only other components of his tank are a driftwood log and occasional floating plants as a treat.

Thanks!

Welcome to the site! The main drawback of Purigen is that is does not remove chlorine and chloramines. Carbon removes both of them. If your water is only using chlorine, then you can let it sit and it will evaporate within 24hrs. If your water has chloramines, then you will need something like carbon to remove it.

Check out the water change system: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33171

LeonardoTheTerrapin wrote:...in order to save on the constant carbon filter changes.

Carbon should be replaced monthly. Purigen should be regenerated monthly. Aside from the filtration differences that Steve highlighted, both media will require monthly maintenance.

Thanks guys! Another question on carbon & filtration: As my filter is tiny when compared to the canister ones, will putting the carbon and Purigen wrapped in a nylon bag and simply dropped in the tank have any effect at all?

Probably very little.