Those HOB filters, and disposable media

[Anthony8858]

I have a question......

My daughter's 10 gallon has a Whisper 10 mini filter on the back. This filter contains a simple disposable filter cartridge.

Many "other" filters have either a bio-wheel, sponge media, or some other type of "bacterial haven"

How does one change a replacement filter, without destroying amn excellent source of "beneficial bacteria"?

 

[kveeti]

There are TONS more places in the filter and tank where the bacteria reside besides the disposable unit. As long as you don’t scrub down everything at the exact same time, you will be fine. Better yet, buy a Fluval or AquaClear sponge and cut it to fit and use that as a replacement. Thereafter, all you have to do is rinse it out in old tank or new treated water. You’ll save a ton of money in the long run.

 

[Anthony8858]

What about the carbon that normally comes in the whisper replacement cart?

If I use the sponge, how do I use carbon too?

 

[emoore]

You don't really need the carbon unless you are trying to remove meds from the water. My tanks have been carbon free for many years.

 

[TKOS]

I have the whisper filter. I bought a box of some sort of sponge media from my LFS and cut them up to fit in to the filter. Works great and is just pressure fit. I keep a small box of carbon (loose) just in case I need it for later. In that case I get some old pantyhose, bag it up and stick it in the filter as well.