Extra Filtration For Goldies?

Question

Can you use those green or blue kitchen scrubbie pads behind regular filter cartridges as extra filtration in a freshwater tank? (55 gallons, 4 orandas and a ranchu) I have 4 regular filters in there at all times, but wondered if adding these pads would make the cartridges last longer by catching the bulk of the dirt first?

or is there anything similar you can use as extra 'back up'?

My fishies water is fine, having no probs, just curious...i've learned loads about fish keeping just by reading answers on here!

Answer 1

Just be sure that the scrubbie pads don't have any soap added. I have seen others use them successfully.

I use a slightly different approach. I take a foam filter such as is placed in an Aquaclear filter. I use the largest one available. I cut a cross-wise slit in the middle of one end of the foam insert, going in as deep as the end of the intake tube of the filter. Then I slide the foam insert over the end of the intake tube, sticking the tube as far into the foam as I want. It catches most of the debris and is a lot easier to clean than any media inside the filter. I just slide it off and squeeze the mud out in used aquarium water until the mud is gone then slide the foam back onto the intake tube again. I use the same piece of coarse foam over and over until it is beginning to fall apart, then get a new one. It doesn't smell bad. It smells rather like when you go into the woods and start digging through old leaves that have been there a long time and breaking down into earth.

Answer 2

I wouldnt- they usually put anti-microbial chemicals on the sponge as well as chemicals to keep it moist in the package so it doesn't crack.