Medicating in a Cycled Tank

[maryalice81403]

I have a betta in a recently cycled (2 weeks ago) 2 gal Eclipse Explorer tank. I would like to treat him with Jungle Fungus Eliminator or Jungle Fungus Clear. Both say to "remove carbon from filter". I don't really want to remove the filter completely because I think alot of the good bacteria is living on it (it is kind of nasty looking). The bio wheel looks pretty clean so I don't know if it has enough of the good bacteria to keep the tank cycled on its own. So, can I cut a hole in the filter and pour out the carbon and leave the spongey part in while I medicate? Will the medication kill the good bacteria? Also, I noticed that Mardel says its products (Maracide, CopperSafe and Maracyn 2) don't hurt the good bacteria. Anyone have any experience with them in a cycled tank?

I don't really want to move the betta back to his little 1/2 gal. tank to medicate as he is just getting used to (and loving!) his new bigger home. Besides I would then have to go back to adding amonia to the bigger tank to keep it cycled, right?

Thanks,
MaryAlice

[CaitxSith]

you know? i thought that the green sponge thingy in my eheim was the bacteria thing... and carbon just purifies the water...

:OT:
lol thistime i used my psp to type :D

[SirWired]

You can certainly remove the carbon through a hole in the filter, however, you will need to put the carbon back when you are done to remove the meds from the water. Indeed, removing meds from the water is the only reason some of us ever use carbon.

Since your alternate tank is so small, I suppose I'd medicate the main tank. Keep in mind that your biofilter MAY become comprimised, which is going to mean a fishy cycle.

SirWired