Filter change

[Bazz56]

When I change my filter do people put in bacteria and if so what one is the best.also would like the best advice for 1st time filter
Change many thanks

[Aiken Drum]

Do you mean changing a filter cartridge or getting a while new filter?

[Bazz56]

Oh sorry changing a filter cartridge had it 4 weeks

[Aiken Drum]

Just rinse the cartridge in water taken from your tank or water treated with dechlorinator. Only replace cartridges if you absolutely have to otherwise you will crash your cycle. It looks like you worked that out for yourself.

I have a filter that takes cartridges and it holds 2 cartridges, so if you need to change, then only change 1 at a time. Is yours similar?

If you do have to change a cartridge then some bottled bacteria might help. I like Dr Tims One and Only.

Do you know what the make/model of your filter is? I might be able to point you in the direction of an adaptation thats better than using filter cartridges.

[Bazz56]

I got a Aqua Vue 580 Aquarium it's got white sponge on top do I change that or wash it in old tank water

[Aiken Drum]

Is this your tank?

https://youtu.be/dsv5LuR9hRI

The white stuff is a polishing pad. Throw that monthly and replace. The white rings, rinse those monthly in tank water. Nothing too vigourous, just gently rinse off any crud. If you put the rings in a media bag it will make cleaning easier. Chemical media like the carbon mentioned in the video needs replacing monthly. If you are using carbon, you probably dont need it. It has specific, limited use.

[Bazz56]

I can't get to the ring or carbon in my cartridge

[Aiken Drum]

Are there 2 cartridges? One with rings and 1 with carbon?

[Bazz56]

Cant tell they covered

[Aiken Drum]

Ok. Ive done some research.

The cartridge contains ceramic media and carbon. How many of these cartridges are there in your filter?

Did you get it from Pets at Home?

[Bazz56]

Got 2 separate cartridges with 2 on each with the white wool on top .it's a trickle filter .would post pic but don't no how to

[Aiken Drum]

The best thing to do would be to get a media bag and fill it with something like seachem matrix. Replace 1 of the cartridges with the bag. Then a month later do the same for the other cartridge. Set it up like the video link i sent you.

You can just rinse off the 2 media bags every month or 2. Hard media like matrix will last years and years without needing changing. Just change the polishing pad every month or so. Will save you a lot of money in the long run and you wont run the risk of crashing your cycle every time you have to change a cartridge.

https://www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk...RoC2EwQAvD_BwE

https://www.seachem.com/matrix.php