My filter is running slower on one side.

[elee]

Was doing a fish in cycle because I was given a 55g by a coworker fish and all. Through the help of all you wonderful people I got the numbers right on the money for at least two wks now.. I think my filter needs attention it's running slower on one side. So should I put new cartridge in it? Should I also do a water change? I don't know what kind of filter it is.

 

[christine2012]

When you do a water change, rinse your media in the tank water. I'd also wipe out the housing with a dry paper towel. Don't trash it and don't rinse in tap water.

 

[elee]

Should I do a 50% change or all. When will I vacuum the tank. Should I just concentrate on the filter?

 

[christine2012]

It never hurts to do a water change and gravel vac is the way I see it. But I'd stick with 50%. Then hold some of your tank water in a bucket and don't let your media go dry in the process. Give it a few squeezes and rinses, and if your bucket of water turns a funky black, you probably solved your problem! I'd still clean the housing though,

 

[elee]

Ok I will try this. Hopefully without swallowing fish water?

 

[christine2012]

Are you using a siphon? Starting by mouth? If so, I just learned that if you fully submerged your siphon and get all the air out, plug the end with a thumb while you lower into your bucket, while keeping your vacuum underwater, and it'll start up. Don't do it by mouth!

 

[elee]

I did the 50% change, vacumed the gravel some and rinsed the filter pads in the fish water. I cleaned the filter and it works great. Best of all the test results are great.
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20
ph 7.6

I couldn't believe it. Thank you so much. I did get the siphon pump.

 

[christine2012]

I did the 50% change, vacumed the gravel some and rinsed the filter pads in the fish water. I cleaned the filter and it works great. Best of all the test results are great.
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20
ph 7.6

I couldn't believe it. Thank you so much. I did get the siphon pump.

Awesome! Good Results are always an ego boost!