Filter Cartridge

[Spesh1969]

My new 5 gallon is finally cycled and I think it's time to rinse out the existing filter cartridge. When doing a water change, can I rinse/squeeze out the gunk of the existing filter cartridge (using old tank water) and then put it back without messing things up?

A second question: Can I add a piece of filter sponge in the tank itself as another place for good bacteria to grow? I'd like to do this in case I ever set up another tank.

Thank you!

 

[fishorama]

Yes, rinse & squeeze out the filter cartridge in old tank water. Rather than leave an extra bit of filter media loose in your tank, add it to your filter. It helps to have the flow to make more bacteria with the extra oxygenation. But there's only so much "extra" bacteria you can grow. It depends on food & flow, any is a plus in starting a new tank...including the "gunk" you rinse from the media. Don't do this too far ahead of a new tank set up (you can save it up for long)...food & flow!

 

[Spesh1969]

Thank you so much for the info.

 

[TetrisAttack]

Best tip I got recently for quicker cylcing is a handful of dead leaves from your garden for bacteria soup

 

[Rbishop]

...and potential elements you don't need all.....

 

[TetrisAttack]

I have a coldwater pond-koi tank beside the one I'm fresh cycling with leaves... And cats so I've deciding mixing life is inevitable and just keep everything as healthy and diverse as I can ; ) It's like the gut flora and fauna in our own bodies...

 

[Rbishop]

Possibly....but most the fish we keep in tanks may not appreciate the flora and fauna of our bodies.