When to get a new filter cartridge?

J

Jeffr760

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Nov 22, 2004
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I have a 20 gal taTetra whisper 20 filter. It says I should replace the biobag/cartidge every month with a new one. I have a new one, but I don't think I just take out teh old and put in the new. Wont that make my tank cycle again? The current cartridge has been in for 4 weeks.

I just did a 25% water change.

And all my levels are very low and steady. The tank was cycled with Bio-Spira 4 weeks ago.

Stock:
1 Sailfin
1 small pleco
1 Sunset platy
2 Balloon molly fry (had 15 but only 2 survived)


Also, I have a piece of driftwood, but I cant get it to sink. been soaking for 2 days in the tub and still wont sink :rant: Any ideas?

-Jeff
 
You should only replace your filter cartrige when it is falling apart. Rinse it in a bucket of tank water (or dechlorinated water) whenever it gets dirty. This should return its function without killing any of the bacteria on it.
With the driftwood---Patience, grasshopper! I have a large piece that has been buoyant for nearly six months. It will settle in time. I tied mine to a rock with fishing line in the tank. It is neat because it seems to hover in the middle of the tank and grow out of the back glass. Good luck!!
 
Ok sounds good. Thanks!

I guess I'll be patient with the driftwood. Its a little to big to boil it, but I think I will try boiling it half at a time.

Another question...I just got my pleco yesterday the LFS said he'd be fine with my 2 fry and other fish, but that I would need to bring him back in 6 months and trade in for a smaller one cause he'd most likely out grow my 20 gal in that time. Sorry rambling...

So I get him home last night, he immediatly starts his job and is very good at it. However hes pooping every hour, and its like 4x the amount any of my other fish put out. He has a 6inch piece hanging from his right now. I had to vacuum and change water this morning cause there were at least 10 huge strands hanging off my decorations and plants! LOL its kind of funny but I don't think its normal.


-Jeff
 
Since you said you have a 20 gallon Tetra filter, I'm going to assume you have a 20 gallon tank? The LFS was right about the pleco, you will have to find him a new home in a few months because they do grow quick and large. He'll be crapping up your water fast, as you noticed already! For cleanup duties in a 20 gallon, go with a couple of otocinclus instead, they do just as well and will only grow to 3 inches.

I also have a filter that uses the same type of catridges, and I replace the carbon every month but just swish the bag and frame around in some dechlorinated water to rinse it when I do a carbon change. That will work fine for you too, especially if you're like me and have a favorite brand of carbon.
 
Jeffr760 said:
Ok sounds good. Thanks!
...at least 10 huge strands hanging off my decorations and plants! LOL its kind of funny but I don't think its normal.


-Jeff
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's normal. They poop a lot.

Sam
 
LOL its kind of funny but I don't think its normal.
Click to expand...

Laugh 'till you cry, pleco's are poop machines!!!! :laugh: :sad

These fish essentially process huge amounts of low nutrition food, they are designed by nature to derive small amounts of nutrients from food and discard the rest. they eat a lot, use a little and convert the rest to waste. many things such as cucumber will go through them so fast it doesn't even change color. Truly awesome fish, with a real hygene problem attached.

Another question...I just got my pleco yesterday the LFS said he'd be fine with my 2 fry and other fish, but that I would need to bring him back in 6 months and trade in for a smaller one cause he'd most likely out grow my 20 gal in that time. Sorry rambling...
Click to expand...

Depending on what type of pleco, this is probably accurate, Kudo's to the LFS that actually informed you of this.
There are smaller types of pleco's, but very few that are small enough for a 20g. You might look into otto's for the future, they stay very small and do a good job with algea as well.
 
Ya I do have a 20 gallon. I am going to the LFS store again today, so I will check out the otocinclus' there. I don't mind taking back a pleco every six months. I will get store credit for it.

I want to eventually add plants, not sure which fish would be better at clean up.

I found a good site on them... http://www.otocinclus.com/

-Jeff
 
here he is with my sunset wag, sailfin molly my 4 week old balloon molly fry. ;)

I just noticed that the pleco changes from dark to light...kinda cool.

platey-and-pleco2.jpg


platey-and-pleco3.jpg


mollyfry.jpg


-Jeff
 
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