Replacing filter?

[MollyFan1]

I just cycled my tank and it's about time to change the filter. I have a whisper filter and on the instuctions it says the filter has to be replaced every four weeks. Now if I replace my filter won't that start the cycle process again??

Thanks for the help!

 

[WeeNe858]

no.. if you tank is established.. it should be able to handle changes without crashing... a majority of the bacteria will colonize in your tank instead of the filter.. but if you have biomedia in the tank.. dont change it.. just change the floss and carbon with one of the replacement thingies

 

[MollyFan1]

Yes it's actually the filter cartridge that needs to be changed. So I can put a new one without any problems?

 

[WeeNe858]

Yep!

 

[MollyFan1]

Thanks!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

no. there is no reason to change the filter media. if you do you should only change one part at a time. they are fine to be left in there until they are ready to fall apart. most of the bacteria lives in the filter. changing it might send your tank thought a mini cycle.

 

[Rbishop]

No, do not change it.

 

[webcricket]

I used to use Whisper filters and I did not change the cartridge until it was literally falling apart (every 5 to 6 months). Of course Tetra wants you to change it more often so you spend money on their product.

All you need to do is take the cartridge out and swish it around really good in a bucket of tank water or dechlorinated water to get out the debris. Do this every time you do a water change (weekly) and there is no reason to need to change the media until absolutely necessary.

 

[Tinajo]

No, do not change it.

You're talking about the piece that has carbon in it? REally? You don't change it? I've been changing mine out once per month.

 

[webcricket]

You're talking about the piece that has carbon in it? REally? You don't change it? I've been changing mine out once per month.

Yes. The carbon isn't even necessary in most cases unless you are removing medication from the tank or need it to control tannins from driftwood. The carbon itself really doesn't last longer than a week as far as its usefulness. I used to stuff my filter pad with extra filter floss instead of the carbon.