Cyling a Power Filter [Archive]

View Full Version : Cyling a Power Filter

Chenell

11-08-2003, 6:27 PM

Should you cycle a tank with a power filer with or without filter media? What about the blended stuff with activated carbon and the ammonia-neutralizing crystals? I have some of it and it said on the back it was good for the break-in period.

Thanks,

Chenell

blitzen25bm

11-09-2003, 12:51 AM

you need that cartridge in there for the bacteria to grow on.

Chenell

11-09-2003, 12:04 PM

I have the cartridge that the media goes in in there, but no filter media in it. I have to wask it when I do my water changes cause it gets so plugged up the water doesn't flow well anymore. I was it in warm but not hot water. Am I doing that right?

Chenell

JSchmidt

11-09-2003, 8:18 PM

Rinsing the filter media in water is OK, but it's better if you rinse it in dechlorinated water (e.g., tank water) to help preserve the biocolony. You really don't want to use the ammonia neutralizing crystals (zeolite) because that defeats the purpose of running the new filter. The zeolite competes with the bacteria for food.

HTH,
Jim