Filter Media Change - Aquarium Advice

Yao · 12-27-2005, 07:21 PM

So.. I've had my tank for a few months now. The filter media is getting extremely gross and gunked up. I have a Penguin 100 [acronym:79475da1b9="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:79475da1b9] filter, with biowheel. Is it okay for me to change the filter? When I first started my tank, I was told I never needed/should change my filter. What's the next step for me here? Do I buy a penguin refill designed for my filter, or just any random media, and cut it to fit? Thanks!

Toirtis · 12-27-2005, 07:25 PM

I would get a refill, and run it concurrently for a day or two before tossing the used media.

**QTOFFER** · 12-28-2005, 12:35 AM

If I'm not mistaken, the Penguin 100 is a redesign of the Penguin Mini, of which I own three.

Every two or three weeks, I pull out the Penguin cartridge and rinse it off in tank water, or even under the tap. Most of the biofilter bacteria live on the pleated biowheel, so this has worked OK for me. I get about four months of use out of each cartridge before it starts to fall apart, and I have to replace it. Again, since most of the good bacteria are on the biowheel, I've never noticed an ammonia spike after replacing a cartridge.
I NEVER touch the biowheel itself - sometimes I wipe some mineral crud off the axle to ensure that it remains free-spinning.

12-27-2005, 07:21 PM	#1
Yao Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 80	Filter Media Change So.. I've had my tank for a few months now. The filter media is getting extremely gross and gunked up. I have a Penguin 100 [acronym:79475da1b9="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:79475da1b9] filter, with biowheel. Is it okay for me to change the filter? When I first started my tank, I was told I never needed/should change my filter. What's the next step for me here? Do I buy a penguin refill designed for my filter, or just any random media, and cut it to fit? Thanks!

12-27-2005, 07:25 PM	#2
Toirtis Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,768	I would get a refill, and run it concurrently for a day or two before tossing the used media. __________________ G. A. Christian Bilou, Zoologist/Writer Founder/Director, Reptile Rescue Alberta Vice-President, Calgary Aquarium Society www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com Polypterid/Primitive Fish/Ctenopoma/Catfish Fanatic 62 Aquariums, 2200+ total gallons, Aquarist since 1971.

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12-28-2005, 12:35 AM	#3
QTOFFER Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kew Gardens, NY Posts: 3,701 Images: 30	If I'm not mistaken, the Penguin 100 is a redesign of the Penguin Mini, of which I own three. Every two or three weeks, I pull out the Penguin cartridge and rinse it off in tank water, or even under the tap. Most of the biofilter bacteria live on the pleated biowheel, so this has worked OK for me. I get about four months of use out of each cartridge before it starts to fall apart, and I have to replace it. Again, since most of the good bacteria are on the biowheel, I've never noticed an ammonia spike after replacing a cartridge. I NEVER touch the biowheel itself - sometimes I wipe some mineral crud off the axle to ensure that it remains free-spinning.