I have one of those Whisper Power Filters that hang on the back of the tank. i've read from other posts that most of the bacteria actually remains in the filter itself. So when the time comes to change the filter bag, are you also throwing out all the bacteria as well? How much actually remains in the water within the tank?
changing filter cartridges and the effect on bacteria
- Thread starter mensign
- Start date
Bacteria doesn't inhabit your water in great quantities, though it does reside on the surfaces in your aquarium. If your tank has achieved healthy water parameters, I would be really reticent about changing your filter media entirely. Personally, I never change my filter material, I simply rinse it thoroughly in dechlorinated water to remove all of the large pieces of waste/detrius.
Eventually it may degrade, and you will have to replace it. Filter bags and filter floss really don't last long, but sponge can be rinsed and reused for years without replacing it.
You can buy something such as this:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4336/cid/1234
and cut it to fit your filter, replacing the floss or bag. It's easier to clean and cheaper.
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You can buy something such as this:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4336/cid/1234
and cut it to fit your filter, replacing the floss or bag. It's easier to clean and cheaper.
.
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The filter that I have uses a sponge and a carbon bag, so that way you still keep stuff in your filter even though you throw out the carbon bag. Personally, they are just not that expensive for me to risk not properly filtering the tank just to hold onto them for much longer than the directions say. The other filter that I have (a penguin) has two areas where you insert carbon, so on that one I just change it a few weeks apart from each other. I got a great deal on carbon bags on ebay the other day! Thats always an idea if your LFS is as expensive as the one near me is.
That might work but I think a better idea {Imho} would be to buy a tetra sponge and place it over the intake. Then every week when you do your water changes all you have to do is to rinse the sponge. I use the old tank water I siphoned out and just squeeze the sponge a few times to clean it.
You do have to watch with the sponge because they can clog up and reduce the water flow thru the filter. {also works well to save new borns}
The one Whisper I have I just swish the bag in the old tank water to rinse it off. I havent replaced it in over a year.
Another thought is to replace the filter with an Aquaclear. This way you have the sponge in the filter and just clean it.
You do have to watch with the sponge because they can clog up and reduce the water flow thru the filter. {also works well to save new borns}
The one Whisper I have I just swish the bag in the old tank water to rinse it off. I havent replaced it in over a year.
Another thought is to replace the filter with an Aquaclear. This way you have the sponge in the filter and just clean it.
mensign said:
That is correct, however, you don't have to change the filters as often as they tell you. Carbon isn't required for an aquarium. Unless you need it for a specific purpose (such as removing medications from the water), don't feel that you need to replace the filter often for that reason.
Of course, if you just want to change them out, that is fine too. Using the extra sponge is helpful either way. You can even use it to seed your next tank, you know you want another one already
