It has been recommended by my vet to use distilled water for my cats due to urine crystals. In this case, how often would I need to change carbon?
1432574
While we don't have to use distilled water, we always use bottled water; that being said, we change the carbon every time we clean the unit. I would rather err on the side of caution, since the cost of the product is very low, than find out that the media isn't doing its job.
1432575
I purchased a drink well 360 for my cat. How often do I need to clean it and change the filter?
1432576
My water is very good, low in minerals and things that would affect taste so I change them every 2 months. I do back flush the container to clean out debris at least weekly. I also found it worthwhile to dispose of the smaller charcoal pieces that will clog the end caps.
1432577
The frequency of carbon change is more due to food particles and lint and hair collecting in the filter. If your food bowl is next to the water dish, this will mean you need to change it often. I dont see distilled water making an appreciable difference in the frequency of change
1921014
Having filled the filter with the carbon, you must then flush it thoroughly with water to remove any powder residue. This is easily observed as the water goes from a murky color to clear. The filter is then ready for use. Our kitties have been drinking from the fountain for quite a while and so far they seem to love it and they are finicky, so I would imagine that once flushed thoroughly, the carbon does not produce any after taste or residue. I don't know for sure but if our kitties are anything to go by, I would say this doesn't leave any residue, once FLUSHED thoroughly.
1020585
You might want to check www.churchdwight.com listed on the box for further questions. Personally, I found this superior to simple baking soda by itself. I have a sack of that I don't use anymore. I thought that the added added deodorizer might offend my cat, but that wasn't the case. For me, it adds an extra week to the litter box change. It's manufactured by Arm & Hammer in New Jersey.
513815
From what I understand, carbon is used more for tropical fish, where as zeolite is recommended for goldfish. One other thing I have learned is that if you have to use a medication on the fish you should remove the carbon filters as they will absorb the medicine.
2160364
Hi there! I change mine every month as they are quite inexpensive. I'm not sure if there is any clear way to tell "when" they need to be replaced unless you perform some type of chemistry test on the water. One other thing I do is I always fill the pet fountain up with water from the refrigerator that has a filter. I think the bottom line is to just use good common sense and keep an eye on how your pet is doing health wise!
816258
Carbon I would at once every couple months, my method with all filters and water parameters is if it's not broken, don't try to fix it. This filter is horrible though, both replacements leaked about 3 gallons of water on my carpet, spend an extra hundre and get a fluval 206
1034285
I have an automatic kitty litter box and use the crystals. I use the crystals that they recommend, and they are fairly small. I have bought others and they are a lot chunkier and did not work as well. My cat has no problems with the crystals .
1695382
we change ours every week and a half or so for two cats. It was about every 2 weeks when we had just 1 cat. The waste gets raked into the box on the side. The crystals are awesome...my house NEVER smells like we have cats! Totally worth having!
1680314
All carbon leaves a dusty residue, which can cloud fish tank water and is why aquarium users rinse the carbon first. I wouldn't rinse when mixing with cat litter though. If you do rinse, remember to let it totally dry before mixing with cat litter. I also wouldn't mix a lot with cat litter as to avoid black kitty paw prints on floors or carpets.
32895
I would only use crystal-type litter because of the fact that the urine needs to be fully absorbed in order for it to not smell for the week or two that it will sit there. The only problem will be the tray itself. They aren't exactly re-usable, although you can buy a plastic replacement tray (specifically for using with your own litter), but it must be washed each time you change it. If you're up for the hassle, it is possible, otherwise I would definitely not recommend re-using the cardboard trays as they will not hold up for long.
697364
Sorry not cats but I ordered it for one of my dogs who has a special diet for gets calcium oxalate stones and has a homemade diet, I only add it every other day to his food but haven't had any problems with it and it lasts a long time. It smells fishy when you first add it but the smell goes away shortly after. I don't know why your cat may need it but i have to check my dogs ph level everyday and it seems to help a bit
282067
The direction say every 3-6 weeks. I tend to go about 6 weeks. My dogs and cats love the fresh water. I notice they drink a lot more than they ueds too. I think the water must taste better! LOL
757997
you said you give your cat the same water that you drink......do you drink tap water or only and exclusively bottled water???? if you drink tap water, you are getting the fluoride and other chemicals that the government feels all its citizens should get....im talking about only giving your cat bottled water....that does NOT have the chemicals that may very well be in tap water, and yes the charcoal filters are a further filter....
2050668
I fill mine with water from my faucet, which is our city water. Also, make sure the filter is installed correctly. Carbon filters. I know when it's time to change the filter because the water starts tasting bad, when I drink from the gallon after distilling. When replacing the filter I run the first gallon and don't drink it ...I usually use that one to water my house plants. Hope this helps. Good luck.
1413657
I asked my doctor and he strongly recommended distilled water only -- no tap, no filtered. There's just too much of a risk of infection from tap water. I wouldn't chance it.
1071887
I think it depends on the size of your tank and the number/size of critters. I use this on a ~80 gallon red eared slider tank- and I change out the Carbon whenever I clean/replace the filter (every 2/3 weeks).
189785
I have been feeding this food to my cats for probably about a year. My 10-year-old male cat has been diagnosed with crystals. So many crystals that my vet was in shock that there were so many crystals present in his urine. I have to take my cat in for an x-ray this afternoon to see if he has stones, because if he has stones, too, then switching him over to a food that dissolves the crystals might break up a stone into a chunk which will cause a life-threatening blockage. This food is NOT appropriate for cats with urinary tract problems.