Cartridge filter cleaning

[Plan-B]

I have two Regent Aqua-Tech waterfall style filters that I bought at Wal Mart. They are cartridge-based filters with all the media packed up in one little disposable unit. My question is, do I really want to change these things every 2-4 weeks like the package instructs? When water flow becomes reduced and a cartridge change is a must will I not lose all my biological filtration in the process? Are there any ways to preserve bacteria and still change the cartridge?

Thanks,
Plan

 

[EvilPodAE]

Just rinse the bag out, some of the biological effects will remain and you wont have to buy a new bag. Usually I replace my bags every 2-3 months and rinse them every 2 weeks.

 

[Sarkis]

Just rinse the bag out, some of the biological effects will remain and you wont have to buy a new bag. Usually I replace my bags every 2-3 months and rinse them every 2 weeks.

it says to run new filters under cold tap water before install. my question is, if u scoop out a 1/2 gallon or so of your tank water and rinse the filter off with that water instaed of tap water would that be any better. So u could change your filter as they recomened every 3-4weeks