Filter?

[sugarloves]

Ive only ever had fish that need bowls so Ive never used a filter before. I recently bought a 10 gallon (which I dont know if Ill keep becuase of problems I posted in the hardware forum) and it uses a power filter. Im curious as to how often I need to change the actual filter of my filter. It said on the packaging to do it every month but my friend says she doesnt do it that often. Do i need to buy a new cartridge every month or can I just give it a good rinse. Thanks.

 

[Menagerie]

I only rinse my filter pads when the flow rate is reduced. It is a good idea to rinse them in dirty tank water during a water change (separate bucket, not in the tank). Change the filter pad when it starts falling apart

 

[grimlock3000]

Yep, it is much better to just keep rinsing the filter in used tank water. The filter holds a lot of the good bacteria that keeps the tank healthy. Like Menagerie, I only rinse my filter pads when I notice the flow rate slowing down.

If you tell us what kind of filter it is, we may have some more tips as well.