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I know this is just the temporary forum, but I was quite pleased with my DIY mini filter cartridge, and so disappointed when I couldn't post it the other day! At least, I thought my cartridge was clever... Plus, I wanted the first post in the DIY section 
The filter came with the my Aqueon 2.5 bowfront. The original cartridge that came with it only lasted about 2 weeks, before it was totally clogged.
I started by taking apart the old cartridge, (I did this with my DIY cartridge for my Aqueon Quietflo 10), since I wasn't sure if my idea would work. Then I cut some sponge to the proper size. I used Rena 30ppi sponge.
Then I cut a slit down the middle of the sponge, leaving about 1cm all the way around.
Filled the "pocket" with carbon. I think it ended up being about 4 spoonfuls. Tied the pocket shut with a bit of fishing line (it was easy to just thread the line through the foam).
And stuffed it back in the filter.
Seems to be working quite well so far. Not quite as fine filtration as the original, but I've got no complaints. It's only been up for a couple days, so when the main forum is back up, I'll post how it's doing after a week or so.
I used to always buy the manufactured media/cartridges for my filters, and spent who knows how much. But for these little tanks, I've gotten to the point where it just kills me to pay $3 for 10cents of carbon and a bit of filter floss. So I've gotten creative :-D
The filter came with the my Aqueon 2.5 bowfront. The original cartridge that came with it only lasted about 2 weeks, before it was totally clogged.
I started by taking apart the old cartridge, (I did this with my DIY cartridge for my Aqueon Quietflo 10), since I wasn't sure if my idea would work. Then I cut some sponge to the proper size. I used Rena 30ppi sponge.

Then I cut a slit down the middle of the sponge, leaving about 1cm all the way around.

Filled the "pocket" with carbon. I think it ended up being about 4 spoonfuls. Tied the pocket shut with a bit of fishing line (it was easy to just thread the line through the foam).

And stuffed it back in the filter.

Seems to be working quite well so far. Not quite as fine filtration as the original, but I've got no complaints. It's only been up for a couple days, so when the main forum is back up, I'll post how it's doing after a week or so.
I used to always buy the manufactured media/cartridges for my filters, and spent who knows how much. But for these little tanks, I've gotten to the point where it just kills me to pay $3 for 10cents of carbon and a bit of filter floss. So I've gotten creative :-D