Two questions: 1- How do you back flush the UF filter? and 2 - can the carbon filter be replaced with Pet store carbon filter media? thanks
1365357
Back flushing or cleaning the Trio is easy and is recommend to be done in a clean environment such as a kitchen sink. After dis-assembly, simply run clean water through the top and bottom of the UF hollow fiber membrane. You will most likely see some sediments brake loose from the membrane. After a few minutes of running clean water through the filter shake it dry and place in a solution of vinegar to ensure no cross contamination. The carbon filter isn't the same as pet store filters. It must be replaced with the cartridge from Renovo.
590229
There is no need to find replacement cartridges. The carbon is useless unless you are using it remove medication and still yet it is such a small amount that it would have little effect. The cartridges are the money makers for the manufacturers. Go buy carbon in bulk off Amazon or wherever you can find it if you really insist on using it. As for the sponge... it should not be replaced unless it is completely breaking down. It is the only source of biological filtration (the reason why you have a filter in the first place I hope) and by throwing it away you're going to restart the nitrogen cycle. Rinse out the sponge in a bucket of conditioned tap water or in the bucket you used to hold the water you changed out of your tank, then put it back in. Done. If the sponge does break down you can buy Aqua Clear sponges and cut them to size. You can also go on eBay and buy them for much cheaper in bulk.
111891
Hello! I bought one of these reusable filters today, as I saw they were available again. If you check back a few times over the next week or so, they come back in stock. They had a big sale on the fountains today, so I am guessing that is why everyone bought these reusable filters today. There were 13 of them around noon today If you just need the carbon, you can get that at any pet store. But if you need the filter itself, I believe this one is only sold on Amazon
1689674
I didn't have your model using UF-3 filter, and I don't feel any wrong about the taste. But the system leaks so bad after using almost for a year and Costco accept my return. Now I am using APEX, so far so good.
106695
I never use carbon in my filters, I think one pad is enough to keep the water clean, but if you have too much tanines you can use in bothRegards
2106113
I really don't know the answer to your question -- but I'd certainly like to know "just in case" I need the information in the future. The main problem I have is the bits of charcoal that continually come through the filter (especially weekly when I'm running a strong stream of hot water through it to help "clean" it.) Good luck.
1857007
Have you soaked it in cold water for 15 minutes and then scrub it ? Thats what the directions say. Also I know there are some phony filters out there. Where did you get it ? You need to call the filter company if you have tried soaking it etc and they can send you a good one. Hope this helps you.
1535515
It may be the carbon filter. It will take a little time for the carbon "dust" to rinse through the system.... it's the same idea in fish aquarium filters, you always want to rinse them before installing them in the tank....
1859347
Good question .. you can put a inline carbon filter on that helps + add prime regularly
2107625
You should add some ceramic rings in a tray and add some carbon in another tray. This should really help. There is a fiber sheet provided for each tray that works well, but I like rings and carbon to better clarify the water. You have the ability to set this filter up the way you prefer.
1267750
I also use this for a red eared slider turtle. All of the filter media I change at different times to allow the "good" bacteria a chance to do their jobs and not "shock" the water with all new stuff. The carbon I like to change at least every 4 months. The polishing pads if you use them I change every month and the foam filters I will rinse every month or so, but change out with the carbon every 4 months along with the carbon.This is a great filter system! Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope you found this helpful!
1230228
I had the same problem recently and replaced the filter and "flo thru unit" and it work fine now. The entire unit is available through Amazon. I think the "flo thru unit" just wears out over time.
1267748
I also use this for a red eared slider turtle. All of the filter media I change at different times to allow the "good" bacteria a chance to do their jobs and not "shock" the water with all new stuff. The carbon I like to change at least every 4 months. The polishing pads if you use them I change every month and the foam filters I will rinse every month or so, but change out with the carbon every 4 months along with the carbon. This is a great filter system! Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope you found this helpful!
664192
Open the top valve. Also, you may want to drain a couple of cups out of the filter by opening both valves and bending the hose from the lower connection over (this will keep water from pouring when you remove the top). Then, to prime after you put the top back on, open both valves and pour tank water in to the hose to replace what you drained out. I can open mine to remove or add carbon without spilling a drop on the floor. Hope this helps!
1083789
I don't think this will be helpful to you now, but I recently replaced my Maytag filter with the Swift filter and it leaked instantly. I took it down and replaced it with another Maytag filter and its doing great now. I'll only buy the Maytag filters from now on. Best of luck to you.
1977029
You can purchase some bulk carbon filter pads on Amazon for less than $10 and place a piece under the unit below the Prefilter. This will prolong the life of the prefilter by capturing larger dust particles before they reach the prefilter. And, you can remove the prefilter every few months, take it outside and blow it with a can of compressed air. You will see large chunks of dust flying out of the filter, and after about sixty seconds of spraying the compressed air, it will look almost like a new unit again. You can then continue to use it well past the time that the control panel indicates it is time for a replacement. You can purchase some bulk carbon filter pads on Amazon for less than $10 and place a piece under the unit below the Prefilter. This will prolong the life of the prefilter by capturing larger dust particles before they reach the prefilter. And, you can remove the prefilter every few months, take it outside and blow it with a can of compressed air. You will see large chunks of dust flying out of the filter, and after about sixty seconds of spraying the compressed air, it will look almost like a new unit again. You can then continue to use it well past the time that the control panel... » Read More You can purchase some bulk carbon filter pads on Amazon for less than $10 and place a piece under the unit below the Prefilter. This will prolong the life of the prefilter by capturing larger dust particles before they reach the prefilter. And, you can remove the prefilter every few months, take it outside and blow it with a can of compressed air. You will see large chunks of dust flying out of the filter, and after about sixty seconds of spraying the compressed air, it will look almost like a new unit again. You can then continue to use it well past the time that the control panel indicates it is time for a replacement. « Show Less
505529
We smoke and we have pets. I keep them as clean as I can but have to save money when I can. I vacuum the filter at least once a week and I take the black pre filter off and just lightly rinse it in cold water, and squeeze it as dry as I can on a towel. Just let it set out on the counter on a towel for an hour or so to finish drying, put it back where it belongs, works good as new. If your in a hurry you can use a blow dryer on it, you squeeze it basically dry anyway. I did try to rinse the whole filter once and no you can't. It just falls apart, but you can rinse the foam black carbon filter. I completely change filters about every 3 months this way. We smoke and we have pets. I keep them as clean as I can but have to save money when I can. I vacuum the filter at least once a week and I take the black pre filter off and just lightly rinse it in cold water, and squeeze it as dry as I can on a towel. Just let it set out on the counter on a towel for an hour or so to finish drying, put it back where it belongs, works good as new. If your in a hurry you can use a blow dryer on it, you squeeze it basically dry anyway. I did try to rinse the whole filter once and no you can't. It just falls apart, but you can rinse the foam black carbon... » Read More We smoke and we have pets. I keep them as clean as I can but have to save money when I can. I vacuum the filter at least once a week and I take the black pre filter off and just lightly rinse it in cold water, and squeeze it as dry as I can on a towel. Just let it set out on the counter on a towel for an hour or so to finish drying, put it back where it belongs, works good as new. If your in a hurry you can use a blow dryer on it, you squeeze it basically dry anyway. I did try to rinse the whole filter once and no you can't. It just falls apart, but you can rinse the foam black carbon filter. I completely change filters about every 3 months this way. « Show Less