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Hello.
I am having to treat my new, uncycled tank for a fungal infection (using PimaFix and MelaFix). Fish have been in for about a week now, treatment started 3 days ago.
It says to remove the carbon out of any filters, and my power filter uses cartridges that contains all the media. So I have taken them out and shut off that filter.
I have an undergravel w/ powerheads still running.

Is there anything I can do so I can run the power filter? Perhaps some type of media I can use for the treatment time, or can I take the carbon out of the filters (or will there be residue still)?
Is having that shut off going to cause issues w/ my cycling?
(I have an AquaTech (Penguin) power filter.)

Thanks in advance!!
Christina
crickit99@aol.com

Hi,
The reason for turning off the filters, or removing
the carbon is that it (the carbon) "soaks up" all or
part of the components of the medication rendering
the medication useless, or ineffective.

Unfortunately turning off the filter also kills the
bacterial colonies within the filter that we encourge
to grow take care of the Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
in the water.

Ideally the best thing to do would be to remove the
carbon, and leave the filter running with the other
media still in it. Then when the disease is gone,
do at least a 50% water change, and then reinsert
the carbon cartridge. If the thing is all one,
you are stuck, and will have to shut it off as
directed.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Frank,
Do you think I would be OK cutting the filter and pulling the carbon out of it? I don't know if that would be sufficient or not.

Thanks,
Christina

Hi,
I was not familiar with that specific filter and
had to do a search to find out what you were talking
about when you said "cut open." I would take out
the filter bag, and then go to the LFS and see if
there is not a replacement for another filter that
would fit into the space. Perhaps a sponge that you
could trim to fit. Other wise, I'd just remove the
filter bag and let the water run through it.

Once the medication has worked its magic, do a 50%
water change, then rinse off the bio-wheel, install
a new cartridge, and let it run.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--