replacing filter cartridges

[yellowfreckles]

I have a Tetratec PF150 power filter running on my 29 gallon tank. It looks like I am going to have to replace one of the cartridges since the water is starting to overflow in the filter box and going back into the aquarium. I have tried just rinsing it off with old aquarium water, but that only helps for a couple of days then the water is back up. My question is: Is replacing the one cartridge going to take away alot of the bacteria load? My tank is finally fully cycled and I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks for reading and looking forward to hearing what you all think!

http://img226.exs.cx/img226/7522/filters4ft.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

[Kasakato]

What I do is cut the media in half or what ever and stick it some where in the filter. Then add the new media and let it sit for a month. Then take out the old media and it should be ok.

[yellowfreckles]

Ooo! I like that idea! I hadn't thought of that. Thanks Kasakato for such a quick and great reply. :)

[Dragon Queen]

Shouldn't there still be plenty in the gravel?

[mcps95]

Yellowfreckles,

The TetraTec filters (I have a 300) have a wet/dry sponge biofilter in the front section of the filter. This is where the majority of the bacteria are located in the filter, and this NEVER gets replaced. I replace my cartridges regularly, and have never had any problems with the bacteria colony. Just be careful never to rinse the black bio-sponge in anything but dechlorinated tank water.

As for the cartridges getting gunked up quickly and being hard to clean, I can certainly confirm that the floss seems to trap waste which makes it much harder to rinse clean. I end up replacing two of the four cartridges in the TT 300 every other water change. I've recently ordered generic floss and foam media that I'll be trying out in the TetraTec and if you want to check back with me in a few weeks, I'd be glad to let you know how my experience with cheaper, generic media is.

It's been tough finding others who've tried the TetraTec filters, so if you have anymore questions, let me know.

Regards,
Mike

[yellowfreckles]

Thanks for the info Mike! It is a little tough to find info on these filters. I've heard mostly bad stuff about them, mostly about the noise they make. I have gotten quite used to the "glub, glub, glub" sounds. I love the integrated heating system. I didn't realize that the black bio-sponge was the main source for bacteria. Good to know. I'll check up on how the generic floss and foam are coming along for you. I had heard about doing this, but the girl at the lfs didn't think it was a good idea. Wonder why? ;) Thanks again!