Changing out filters

[Magicmarymac]

When do I start changing out filter pads, including the old one stuffed into one of the HOB filters?


Details below:

I am still unclear if my 36 is fully cycled or not and I have some difficulty estimating the colors on the API Master Kit Ammo and Nitrate 40 & 80 charts.

Started with biological input from old 12 gallon tank on 10/6/12.
10/7/12 Ammo n/a, Nitrite .50 Nitrate 40, PH 7.2 (skipped dates)
10/13/12 Ammo .25, Nitrite .25, Nitrate 80, PH 7.6
10/18/12 Ammo 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 40, PH 8.0
10/19/12 Ammo 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 40, PH 7.8
10/28/12: Ammo .1, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 40, PH 7.4 High Range
10/29/12: Ammo .1, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 40, PH 7.4 High Range
10/31/12: Ammo .1, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 40, PH 7.4 High Range
11/3/12: Ammo .15, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 60, PH 7.4 High Range
11/4/12: Ammo .1, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 40, PH 7.4 High Range

Aqueon 36 Gallon Bow Front Kit with AquaFlow 30 Power filter, Emperor Bio Wheel 280 power filter, thermometer. Planted.

(I am thinking about adding a Power Head and sponge filter or canister filter.)

4 Sunset/Fire/Honey Gourami
7 Raspbora
11 Neon
1 Cardinal
5 Albino cory

Thank you!

 

[jcolon]

Judging by these numbers, you may be cycled already ... it get's tough to tell the difference between 0 and 0.25ppm. The low ammonia, lack of nitrites and some nitrates
a good sign. It sounds like you seeded so a month should be more than enough time for the old filter media to seed the new one. Usually if you have enough of the old filter media, you basically have an insta-cycled filter from the beginning.

I'd say it's fine to remove the old filter media or of course you could just leave it in there if your getting good flow and remove it little by little with each filter maintenance.

 

[abrinn23]

I usually only remove mine if it's literally falling apart or if there's obvious flow restriction