shellieca
Aquarium Advice Addict
Killian said:Ok vacuumed the gravel tonight. Test results from before the 50% pwc:
Ammo 0.25
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0-5
pH 7.2
What about the filters when should I clean/replace cartridges for the first time? When I looked at the quiet flow cartridge it was about a quarter covered in a brown substance (best way to describe it I guess). I didn't look at the penguin 200's cartridge but the bio-wheel is starting to show the slightest hint of brown. I know you don't change and I'm guessing you don't clean the bio-wheel?
Thanks so much for everyone's help on this. It has been a while since I had a tank.
Those are good test results, even with the .25 ammo, IMO. The filter shouldn't be changed unless its falling apart from what I've been told. If it looks gunky swish it around in USED tank water when you do a water change & put it back. If you think you need to replace the filter, run the new one with the old one for a couple of weeks & it should build up the BB without causing a cycle.