Clogged filter

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I was wondering why does my carbon filter keep clogging? I have a Betta in a heated 10 gal tank. I changed only the carbon filter not the black filter. Whaen I took out the carbon filter it had all kinds of a brownish look to it. When I put the new on in a bunch of gunk was floating in the tank. It is flowing good now. How often should I replace the carbon filter? Should I leave the carbon filter out completely? Only use the Filter? I have a Whisper 10 and it has 3 settings on it Slow, Med, High I was wondering I usually keep it on a low setting to where the water just trickles out is that ok or do I have to keep it on the high setting I am not very sure about Bettas. I know that they do not like a very strong current. Thanks Linda

ANSWER: Hi Linda,
The carbon filter should be changed every three weeks.  The white pouch should be rinsed in aquarium water that you remove.  Never rinse the white pad in hot, or cold water as it would remove the good bacteria.  Never change the white pad until it is falling apart.  It is better to have carbon in your filter.  Bringing it up to high will not change the problem.  Try to get the guck out by doing a water change or it will go right back into your filter.  I always use AquaClears on my aquariums and have no problems.  Make sure you are not overfeeding, and that you do 25% water changes every week without fail.  Check your water for ammonia, and nitrites.  If you do have any in your tank, do water changes every day of 10% or more depending on the level of your ammonia or nitrites.
Hope this helps
Lynda


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our filters are white and black. The black is just a filter only we never change that. The white one is a bio bag with carbon inside this is the one that I had thrown away and replace you assemble them yourself. They give you carbon and a white sleve you dump the carbon into the white sleve. That is ok then. Thanks Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,
Seeing as I have used Aquaclear filters, fluval, and Epheim, and never used Whisper, I am now thinking it is best that you ask another expert on the Whisper filter.  I know with the Aquaclear filter you change your carbon once a month, but the sponge is good till it falls apart.  Now, I am a little mixed up with what you are saying about your Whisper filter.  Obviously it doesn't work the same as the aquaclear does.  I have looked it up, and this is what they have told me.  You keep the white bag, and change the carbon.  I would feel better if you asked another expert who uses Whisper.  They would know more about it than I do.  Just to be sure.
Have a nice day
Lynda