When To Change Your Filter Cartridge

[Jess7]

My tank's been up and running for just over 2 months now. I have not changed the cartridge yet because it was fishy cycling. It is definatly starting to build up some funky stuff on it, is it ok to change it now? If so, do I just swap out the cartridge or should I put the old media on the new old? Will changing it do anything to my cycle?
:huh:

 

[StreetCypher]

Rinse in old tank water during a water change. You really don't ned to change them unless they are falling apart. Changing 100% will most likely have an effect on your cycle, you would have chucked the majority of your nitrifying bacteria.

 

[Jess7]

Woah! Good thing I asked! I thought I had heard before that you change the filter like once a month!

 

[mooman]

what kind of filter is it? The best thing to do is use a layer of polyester filter floss (replace when dirty) to trap fine particles, and use a sponge to catch larger stuff (this should be rinsed in tank water at every water change to keep the bacteria around). It should last forever.

 

[Kasakato]

I havent changed mine in about 1 year, Just a quick swish in tank water cleans it enought.