Ok, so, the 10 gallon is a fishless cycle right?
Yep. i know you have been reading about them and have it under control. Just going share a article that I have seen others refer to and I also like.
Fishless Cycling - Article at The Age of Aquariums - Tropical Fish.
I'll take a look at that. I am finding the whole science of this hobby so fascinating.
The Filter cartridges- If they are the store bought ones prepackaged from Aqueon anything like others such as marineland.
It is an Aqueon cartridge that the kit came with. The amount of carbon in the filter really isnt that affective. Plus the carbon does not work "forever". carbon can only remove so much of something before it needs to replaces. The filters you have in place are fine. Now when they start to fall apart and just have to be replace. Sure! go get the roll of filter medium.
Bought a roll today. I think it's the right stuff. It's called Aqua Pure Cut-to-Fit Filter Pad (10" x 18") It's a lot cheaper then the replacement cartridges. The roll should last a long time also. Remember that its a good idea if you can, to put the new filter in about a week or so before removing the old filter. That is if you can fit it in the filter.
I'v just stuck them in the tank for a week before. not as effective but it works
Now, the filter you have in now. When they get gunked up bad. All you need to do is rinse them in water you just pull out of the tank to be changed. All I do is gently rub the side that faced the current (faced the back of most filters) just clear the buildup that is restricting water flow.
Great.
For the 55 filter. If it's not to expensive and you like quitflow 55/75 which you aready have. Just buy another 55/75. set them side by side. You will double the filtration on the tank, plus having two that match won't look odd in the tank.
I do like it, but I haven't experienced anything else, either. It is pretty quiet. I just want to make sure I have a good one and I'm not spending more money down the road if I could have just bought a better one in the first place.