How to replace filter cartridge without disturbing Nitrogen Cycle?

[Bettalover333]

Ok, so the filter cartridge in my Tetras Whisper 20i is beginning to fall apart (This tank is relatively new so I haven't had to replace it yet). What is the best way to replace it without taking out too much bacteria? Should i soak it in tank water during a water change, or squeeze the water out of the old cartridge into the new one or what? Sorry I'm kinda new to this
Sorry i wasn't sure what category this should go under, there wasn't one on filters.

 

[Khuligirl93]

I think you picked the right category
If you possibly can fit both cartridges into your filter, that's what I would do. Just use them both together for a few days before you throw out the old one.
If you can't fit them both, I would just swish the old one in a bucket of water so all that lovely brown muck comes out, and let the new one soak in that water for a few minutes, and then add it to the filter. That should at least jump start your colony with a few million bacteria
If you do this second method, I would not do it on the same day you do a water change just to be on the safe side.

 

[DragonFish71]

With that filter you can change the filter pad without worrying about disrupting your beneficial bacteria. The bio-filter portion, the black scrubby pad looking thing, will be fine rinsed in a bucket of tank water. The filter pad itself you can change when it falls apart without any worries. I have a few of these in use myself.

 

[Bettalover333]

Thanks!

Thanks for all of your help, i appreciate the advice