Help Needed Regarding Filters

[Boohoo]

I know there are many kinds of filters out there that sound like something I should invest in. But for now here is my problem. Both of my tanks have filters that just hang over the back of the tank. One is a Dynaflo 1 and the other is a Aqua Regent. Where does my good bacteria remain when I change the filter cartridge? The cartridge is the only thing in there. Won't it be like a new cycle all the time after I change my filter? I did put a couple little sponge like things (they are more poreous than a household sponge) that I bought at the LFS in between my filter cartridge and where the water returns to the tank.

 

[YoFishboy]

In a well established tank, bacteria is on all the surfaces - inside the filter box, gravel, decorations, even the glass. So changing the cartridge on an established tank shoudn't throw you out of balance.

 

[Boohoo]

My tank is still in the process of cycling, what kind of problems does that cause???

 

[YoFishboy]

You don't have to change the filter pads that frequently - in fact, most brands recommend only once a month, and they are being conservative in time duration so they can sell you more. Moreover, you can just rinse them in some of the tank water in a bucket and pop them back in.