changing filter catridge
- Thread starter Celeste
- Start date
cattlegrid probably asks because in some filters, the filter cartridge is also the primary place where the bacteria grow. In this case, you probably carefully rinse out the cartridge in treated water to avoid killing the bacteria, and reinsert the filter. In other brands of filters, the primary location of the biological filtration is in a different medium than the filter cardtridge, and the filter cartridge can be replaced with a new one with minimal impact on the bacteria colonies. For example, the current Whispers have a Bio-Foam on which the bacteria grows and separate filter cartridges (Bio-bags) that are to be replaced. Similarly, on Marineland Penguins and Emperors, the bacteria grow on the Bio-wheel, and the filter cartridges are designed to be replaced at regular intervals.
You don't. The only reason to replace a filter is if it is badly damaged. You should be able to rinse it it old tank water after a water change to get the large crud off and use it for quite a long time. If you do come to a point where the media needs to be changed, put the new one in, and leave the old one floating in the tank for a few days. The only reason they say to change it is to make money off of you. Also the carbon(if it has carbon) in the filter will become inactive after a few weeks. The only purpose of that carbon is to remove medications from the water, so you don't need to change it unless you use it for that specific reason.Celeste said:
I removed the filter that came with it and bought a piece of Aquaclear Filter foam, the biggest size and cut it to fit in the resevoir. I just jammed it in. Now I just take it out, rinse it and put it back in. the same piece has been going strong for 3 years now.
Don't forget that while the filter has a lot of bacteria in it, so does the gravel, tank walls, decorations etc... So changing a filter in an established tank shouldn't be a big problem.
Don't forget that while the filter has a lot of bacteria in it, so does the gravel, tank walls, decorations etc... So changing a filter in an established tank shouldn't be a big problem.
I change them once a month, which is keeping within Tetra's instructions, but it also depends on how much crud your fish make. If the water flow is noticably retarded, or water flows over the filter catridge, it's definitely time to change it. I also swish them in the old aquarium water with my weekly water change. I will stick to the catrtridges, as they fit into the slots and ensure that no dirty water flows around it to clog the biofoam. By buying the 12-packs mail order, the cartridges are less than a dollar each.
When you do change out a cartridge, you can tear the fabric off the old one and put that upstream of the new cartridge and some of the bacteria will be able to move from the old to the new.
A lot of bacteria is also in the tubing so when you are going to change out the cartridge, do not clean the tubings at that time, delay a week or so and then clean out the tubing.
A lot of bacteria is also in the tubing so when you are going to change out the cartridge, do not clean the tubings at that time, delay a week or so and then clean out the tubing.
I also understand that the frame for the bio-bag holds bacteria so changing out the bag shouldn't be much of a problem. I have the tetra 10i on a 5 gal. I like it.
Tom
Tom
As long as it has the Bio-Foam, don't worry about changing the cartridge. You could change them everyday if you want. Just remember that if after you change the Bio-Bag, the water still overflows excessively from the Wondertube Chamber, wait one week then clean the Bio-Foam. For info on how to clean the Bio-Foam, e-Mail Tetra at www.tetra-fish.com. Just don't vacuum the gravel for another week after. You can change the water, just don't vacuum the gravel. :sim: