Filter help

[bahari]

my friend gave me her old fluval chi tank with an established filter that has been running for a year. it turns out she has never rinsed any of the filter media. is it too late to save?

 

[bahari]

there is already a betta in it and i don't want to have to move him as he's really old and disabled

 

[Aiken Drum]

Is it too late to save what?

 

[Jackamo]

The filter is fine, it’s full of the good bacteria because it hasn’t been rinsed. If you do want to clean the filter, don’t use tap water as it will kill the good bacteria and kill the fish. To clean the filter fill a small bowl with water from the tank and lightly swish the filter around in the water. Do not squeeze the filter media as it will get rid of too much bacteria. Do small, frequent water changes, I’d say about 25% of the water each week. Never change too much more as it could harm the fish. If your using tap water make sure to mix it with tap water conditioner from your local pet store.