Change Filter Media Without Losing Bacteria

[XeroTolerance]

Hello everybody. I was doing research on my Aqueon Quit Flow 10 filter and I was wondering what you guys though about this. Anyways the filter media is activated carbon. The thing is the bacteria don't live on the carbon they live on the filter hostler that holds the bacteria. So basically I can change the carbon without losing any of my bacteria because they aren't there! The only thing is it is a little pricey but in my opinion is worth it. My Petsmart doesn't even sell any other media so I think it is a good filter. What do you think?

 

[KezJona]

If you want carbon in your filter I would buy a new one and cut that in half. Get your old carbon media and cut that in half and then use a new half piece and an old half piece.

I find it weird that the bacteria aren't living on the carbon though...?

 

[XeroTolerance]

Me too. I contacted the company and they said they live on the hostler. It was also on alot of forums and stuff about how the bacteria live on the hostler instead on the media.

 

[AshleyMac]

I have that filter! It has special inserts (pad holder, output flow dispersing thing) that have the same prong type things that a bio ball has. I don't know how bacteria would not be able to live on the pad though...I have been through at least five different filters of different brands and types and this is by far my favorite. I have had the same pad in for about two months and the only thing that went wonky were the nitrates, but I rinsed the inserts in old tank water and it really seems to help stabilize the levels (and some water changes) If you are still deciding if you want to buy it...I say go for it.

 

[Tolak]

The nitrifying bacteria don't read the manual for the filter, do no online research whatsoever, and refuse to contact customer service, thus will attach themselves to the area that provides the best food & O2 source. This would be the floss like material that holds the carbon, the carbon, as well as the frame deal that holds the entire media pad. Bullheaded little things, they prefer to do things their own way!

I haven't used HOB filters in quite a while, I believe Tetra or some other such filter has the same sort of frame, with a lot of fine ridges, that claims to do the same thing. I had one of those Aqueon filters a while back, won it in a raffle. After looking it over I gave it away, nothing new or exciting.

I'd carefully slice the pad open, remove the carbon, and add a ceramic bio media, similar to the BioMax Aqua Clear sells. Eheim sells the same type of media, though not in as small a quantity as you would need. The carbon will act as a bio media, though not as well as other medias. This being the case, if you replace the carbon with a bio media keep the carbon, put it in an old nylon or sock that allows water to flow through near the filter where there is sufficient water flow. This will aid in transferring the nitrifying bacteria to the new media, and prevent any ammonia/nitrite spikes. Feed lightly for about a week after switching medias, less food means less waste produced, helping to prevent any spikes.