changing filter media

B

BMCarter

AC Members
Jan 20, 2007
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i have a Tetra Whisper HOB filter, and the filter media is in need of a change.

any tips? i want to minimize the size of the mini cycle as much as possible.

i've read that i can just stick another filter in before the old one to let the bacteria grow. how long should i do that?

Tank Specs:
20g
heavily planted
7 fish
 
How long has this tank been up and running? Is it cycled? Are you performing tests on water parameters? What indicates to you that the filter needs to be changed?
 
most filter media can simply be 'rinsed' in tank water when you do a water change, and lasts a loooooong time before needing replacement. sponges such as those in Aquaclear filters can last for years.

that said, if your water flow is slowing down even after rinsing the media, it may be time for a change. place some of the old media in front of the new filter media (so the water contacts the old media first) and leave it there for a couple of weeks. then discard it.
 
liv2padl said:
most filter media can simply be 'rinsed' in tank water when you do a water change, and lasts a loooooong time before needing replacement. sponges such as those in Aquaclear filters can last for years.

that said, if your water flow is slowing down even after rinsing the media, it may be time for a change. place some of the old media in front of the new filter media (so the water contacts the old media first) and leave it there for a couple of weeks. then discard it.
Click to expand...

i agree.
 
tank has been cycled, and running for about a month and a half now. the fish went in after the tank cycled, which took a little under a week. the filter is rinsed during every water change.

the filter is disgusting, its dark brown, and starting to fall apart. its time for new media.

so i'll put the new media where it will stay, and put the old filter in front of it for a couple weeks. thanks for the tips.
 
liv2padl said:
most filter media can simply be 'rinsed' in tank water when you do a water change, and lasts a loooooong time before needing replacement. sponges such as those in Aquaclear filters can last for years.

that said, if your water flow is slowing down even after rinsing the media, it may be time for a change. place some of the old media in front of the new filter media (so the water contacts the old media first) and leave it there for a couple of weeks. then discard it.
Click to expand...

I have an aqua clear.... my water flo is slowing way down.... if I just add a new cartridge will the sponge act as the biological and be ok to just add the new filter? or do I need to put the old filter some where in the tank until the new one takes hold ( in otehr words does the sponge act as the media for the new filter? )
 
hakunamakarla said:
I have an aqua clear.... my water flo is slowing way down.... if I just add a new cartridge will the sponge act as the biological and be ok to just add the new filter? or do I need to put the old filter some where in the tank until the new one takes hold ( in otehr words does the sponge act as the media for the new filter? )
Click to expand...

I just started using the Aquaclear and don't have a lot of experience with it but I did recently have a flow issue with my old Emperor 400 that was caused by not cleaning the filter unit itself. Here's something on Aquaclear filter maintenance - check out the "filter maintenance" part:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/add_info.cfm?pCatId=3610
 
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