Filter Change During Cycle

[Parker]

Good evening,

My 20 gallon has been running for three weeks now and is well into the cycle and it looks like my filter may be getting too dirty (HOB Top-Fin 20 ) The water is flowing back over on the intake side. Should it be this dirty after three weeks?

Am I alright to change the filter during the cycle or should I reduce the intake until the cycle is finished?

Regards

 

[rich311k]

Are there fish in the tank? You can rinse your media in old tank water, the put it back in the filter. It will not harm your bacteria.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I second what rich said. Just make sure you don't use tap water. Only water that has been removed from the tank should be used. Chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria that is on the pad.

 

[Parker]

Yes, there are fish in the tank. I wouldn't call it media exactly. You remove one filter cartridge and add another..an evelope type deal.

 

[patagonia]

ah i have the same type of filter...in both tanks...i just rinse it on old tank water and put it back in...both tanks have been set up with the same cartridge for almost 5 months and havent had a problem...even though the manual says you have to change the cartridge once a month...they are just trying to sell you stuff...

 

[m249saw]

If it has AC in the pad it will only trap contaminates for 3-4 weeks.