How to change the filter without any problems?

[KFav93]

Hi everyone,
It's time to change my filter cartridge because it's falling apart. This is the first time I'm changing it and I'm scared to do so because I don't want it to start a mini cycle. What can I do to make this filter change go smoothly?

 

[skrapeNKA]

What kind of filter do you have?

 

[KFav93]

What kind of filter do you have?

Top Fin 20 I believe. It takes large cartridges.

 

[KFav93]

I was thinking of sticking the new one in behind the old one for a few days

 

[Fresh2o]

I was thinking of sticking the new one in behind the old one for a few days

I'd put the old one in front of the new one (with the assumption that water will hit the old one first). If you can do this for a few weeks, that would be better.

 

[Anna94]

Get an AquaClear filter as they are much better than cartridge filters and you don't have to replace the media every so many months.

 

[skrapeNKA]

If you can ram them both in there definitely do that. With the media-basket styles they generally recommend changing out 1/3 at a time, so if the cartridge fits maybe leave it in for a two weeks?