filter cartridge change...

[owen0992]

How often should they be completely swapped out? Or should I just rinse my old one well so I keep the BB?

 

[Rivercats]

Most people just rinse it off, but do it in old tank water or you'll just kill your BB with tap water. Change it when it's falling apart.

 

[owen0992]

Lol. Rivercats you are everywhere on this site Thank you once again for the advice.

 

[H2OJO]

Second the advice from rivercats.


The healthy bacteria are in this sponge and always, always clean it in tank water.

I would advise using carbon and maybe an extra fine filter to "polish" the water. Just put it next to the carbon so its the last filter the water passes through.

 

[paytertot]

I personally never use carbon in my tanks unless I've been dozing medicine, and neither do most people I've encountered on this site. I also agree with rivercats, never replace filter media unless it is literally falling apart. Try not to change it all at once either, seed the new media for a couple weeks or so before removing too much old media.

 

[Mrs.h2012]

+1 to all the above advice!

 

[Rivercats]

I personally never use carbon in my tanks unless I've been dozing medicine, and neither do most people I've encountered on this site. I also agree with rivercats, never replace filter media unless it is literally falling apart. Try not to change it all at once either, seed the new media for a couple weeks or so before removing too much old media.

I don't use carbon in my planted tanks because it can remove some of the minerals you dose in your ferts. I do use Purgen in my filters since it only removes organics from the water and it lasts for months. Plus it can be regenerated.

 

[Rivercats]

Lol. Rivercats you are everywhere on this site Thank you once again for the advice.

Thats what happens when you've been retired for over 5 years, you have alot of time on your hands.