changing filter catridge

[RockabillyChick]

alright, so i've been cycling my tank for the past 3 weeks or so. it finally finished and i just added fish.

my filter is the whisper 5-15. its got a little biosponge thing, like this black plastic sheet of sponge, about 1/4" thick that aperantly is supposed to hold the bacteria. plus the normal filter, this one happens to have charcoal in it (was just the one that came in the box)

i'm wondering, do i ever have to replace the filter? should i just gently rinse it out every month or so in old tank water, and then only replace it when it starts falling appart (and float the old one in the tank to transfer the bacteria) or should i actually replace the filter every month like it says on the box?

 

[Onikun]

Just rinse with tank water until it becomes worn (ie, clogs really fast or falling apart). In my opinion you should rinse them on seperate occasions. 1 week maybe the biomedia 1 week maybe the filter media. Alternate them just in case you accidentally forget to dechlorinate or something and kill the bacteria on both medias. Activated Carbon is not really necessary unless there is discolouration in your water or you are removing medication. If you still want to use it its fine and beneficial but the costs far outweight the benefits.

EDIT: Oh and if you've just finished cycling you might not want to rinse it right now. If its not clogged yet it should be okay. You don't want to accidentally disturb or kill some of the bacteria that have just settled. Give it more time before the first rinse.

 

[RockabillyChick]

the carbon filter was just the one that came with the filter box, so thats the one i used. when i replace it, i'll probably buy one without the carbon.

 

[Onikun]

i know most people dont bother replacing it unless necessary. Just give it a good rinse in old tank water.

 

[fishieperson321]

If you replace your Whisper Bio-Bag, it shouldn't make your ammonia rise more than 1ppm. I know these things inside and out. The Bio-Foam should house enough bacteria to keep from Mini Cycling your tank. Just NEVER rinse the Bio-Foam unless after you change the Bio-Bag the water still overflows excssively from the Wondertube Chamber. Bacteria is everywhere in your tank. Just don't clean the tank and rinse the Bio-Foam the same day. You should wait 1 week after you replace the Bio-Bag before you rinse the Bio-Foam. And then wait another week before you clean the gravel. You can change the water, just don't vacuum the gravel. :dive2:

 

[kveeti]

If you replace your Whisper Bio-Bag, it shouldn't make your ammonia rise more than 1ppm. I know these things inside and out. The Bio-Foam should house enough bacteria to keep from Mini Cycling your tank.

Isn't that a contradiction? A 1 ppm rise in ammonia is a mini-cycle. Plus one should test and not let it rise that high, anyway.

However, I'm sure RockabillyChick has things well under control by now.

 

[RockabillyChick]

considering this thread is about three and a half months old

 

[fishieperson321]

The main reason that I posted this is to help other people with the same problem. I remember all of the questions and problems I had when I was a newbie at fishkeeping!!!!