CPE---How often does everyone replace it?

[tjwaggoner]

Running CPE in my BioCube 29 and wondering what the consensus is on the life span of it? Bio load is two fish and various coral and CUC. Feed a small amount of pellets once a day that gets consumed. Twice a week I'll feed some frozen. Haven't checked phos this week but experiencing no algae blooms and nitrates are testing below 10 on API test kit (I know it isn't the best but it is a brand new kit). Just wondering when most people change it out and what tips them off to the need to change it.

Thanks in advance.

[dormreefer]

When I ran CPE I changed it every 6-8 weeks. Basically when I started having to clean the glass I'd change it. Although I found BRS rox carbon and GFO to be cheaper and just as effective. YMMV

[tjwaggoner]

Funny you should say that but I cleaned my glass last night. Nothing much and it's only been running in there maybe three weeks now.

Yeah I have no doubt I could get by cheaper but in a small tank like mine I figure it isn't too expensive. I run purigen too but I regenerate mine (have two packs-one in tank one regen'd ready to roll).

I could buy bulk media and just refill my media bag but it's pretty convenient to buy CPE at the lfs and it's ready to go

[dormreefer]

Funny you should say that but I cleaned my glass last night. Nothing much and it's only been running in there maybe three weeks now.

Yeah I have no doubt I could get by cheaper but in a small tank like mine I figure it isn't too expensive. I run purigen too but I regenerate mine (have two packs-one in tank one regen'd ready to roll).

I could buy bulk media and just refill my media bag but it's pretty convenient to buy CPE at the lfs and it's ready to go

It can be dependent on several factors too such as source water and w/c schedule along with feeding schedule. Are you using 0 TDS/RODI water? How often are your w/c?

 

When I ran CPE in my BC14 I use 0TDS with 25% w/c a week and minimal feeding, which could contribute to the time mine lasted. However, from what I recall 6-8 weeks is normal.

[CollegeNanoKid]

In my 8 gallon with one fish and corals I change it out every 6 to 8 weeks. Sometimes longer or shorter depending on how much frozen RODS I feed during that time. I do 25% water change every week.

[tjwaggoner]

I'm only doing WC every other week, not seeing any problems (had a rash of red cyano at one time but gone now). I'm also running a skimmer and purigen ahead of the cpe but not sure that makes much difference really. Thanks for everyone's help I've got a place to start.

 

Oh and I'm using distilled water. Walmart purple top