Water Change W/ Emperor 400's

[Becca12]

Ok, this might sound stupid but here goes-
I have 2 Emperor 400's on my 90. I turn them both off during a water change, because they would both loose suction when the water falls below the upper intake-DUH. Now the filters will be off for a good bit of time while I finish the water change. Also when the water drops, they drain probably half or more of their water-exposing the filter media. What do you emperor users do during water changes. What I mean is-do you take out the bio wheels and float them in the tank, or in a bucket of tank water? Do you remove your media and keep it wet in tank water too? Does the bacteria really get hurt if it sits without water for this time? Any advice on this from folks who use these filters would be very much appreciated:) Thanks Becca

[lucy42083]

I don't use that exact filter, but as long as the filter media remains damp, the bacteria will survive for a few hours. Unless you do the longest water changes ever.....you should be fine.

[Polish]

Agreed, just leave it. Unless it takes your a day to do a water change they will stay wet.

[grannylvsfish]

I always just leave them in and with the filters running . But while the water is going out, I add buckets in so 50% change of water but its constantly going out and in. then I take the filters out and rinse thru the last bucket going out .

[Weezer]

It would take several hours for them to dry out, i leave mine in ..........:)

[SubluxT7]

Since i have 1 of these on a 55 (Along with a XP1) I just turn off the entire power strip to the tank as soon as I start draining water with my python. Takes about 10-15 min to drain 30-40 percent of the water and then i refill the tank up. I dont mess with the media (as in take it out and put it in a bucket) unless im cleaning it (which i do about once a month give or take). Good luck.

[wataugachicken]

i have three of them on my 120. i don't do anything with them other than turn them off before i start.

[Derringer]

Unless the water change is going to take you several hours they should be fine - just top them off to get the suction working again after the water change.

You could also add on some extenders to the intakes so that they go lower in the tank ...

[Becca12]

Whew! Thank You Everyone!