Cheap box filters. Are they OK to use?

[D1rtyd33dz]

So I had an axolotl for two years, but when I moved I had to let him stay with my old roomate.
During that time I used a very cheap box filter. It worked fine, but to be honest I wasn't trying to get all the water parameters 100% correct.

I will be getting another axie soon, But this time I want to do everything right from the start. Are these OK to use? From what I understand the beneficial bacteria will live in the filter. But when I used to change the filter I would take all the carbon fiber and charcoal out and replace it with new ones. Wouldn't that get rid of the beneficial bacteria?

I ask this because I see a lot of talk about filters, but no one uses these cheap ones. I guess any filter is better then no filter right?

Thanks,
Jeff.

 

[Boo Penguin]

Any filter is better than no filter. I've had success with a hang on filter, but only in my small tank. I've just moved to a canister filter (eheim brand) which I picked up from eBay for a bargain. Its runs really well, and thus far all the parameters have been bang on.

I think the focus is not on chemical cleaning (eg charcoal) but on the biological... so a filter with lots of filter media is probably the best for axi's. Lots of people advocate sponge filters which are really cheap as they provide lots of surface for that good bacteria to grow.

 

[michael]

Do you mean a bubble up corner inside box filter or a hang on the side cascade filter? Either is o.k. Lots of biological medium is a big help.

 

[Minniechild]

As someone who was running on just a box filter for a few weeks (Now on that and a sponge until I can get my canister as my internal doesn't like me at all...), as long as they're established, they'll do the trick. The idea is you just wash them out slightly rather than replacing everything left right and centre (That's how I crashed my sponge, by washing to enthusiastically, luckily seems to have resurrected itself...). But if you can go a bigger filter, such as a canister, do it! How big is your tank?

 

[D1rtyd33dz]

@shrom: I was talking about an in tank box filter.

Thanks about the information about the biological medium from all the other replies. I did not know that the first time. Is a sponge filter better then a box filter? They both seem pretty cheap.

I'm going to start my new tank tomorrow. It is a 20gallon long. I was thinking about getting the filter and a betta fish to help the cycle. Is that a good idea? They seemed like the hardiest I could think of to start the tank cycle. I will check this thread before I go to the store.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Minniechild]

That or guppies If your aquarium has sponge filters in use and are willing to sell them, that could speed up the process- Just have a look at all the animals in the tanks, make sure that they look healthy!

 

[iChris]

air powered sponge filters, once they are matured work fantastically.

 

[michael]

Both air powered sponge and air powered box filters work fine. To enhance the bubble up box filter I use ceramic rings for biomedia. I use loose polyester fiber like used to stuff a pillow or teddy bear as the top layer.