Changing Filter Media

[Seal36]

With the filter that I have it only has 1 sponge so when I need to change the filter media surly I would be removing all the good bacteria from the filter which would cause a mini or full cycle. I have attached a picture of the filter. It's from a company called super fish. Would you suggest getting a new better filter from Tom

 

[Ch4rlie]

Thought you already have put in filter media in this from another thread you posted a little while ago?
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/427901-filter-media/#entry3621413
 
It does sounds like you've changed your mind about this filter and want a different one entirely?

 

[Seal36]

On the other one I was asking how to add the old media to the new media but in this one I'm think further along the line when I need to change the filter media in this filter and with there being only one sponge it would take all the good bacteria away surely. The only reason I would get a new one is if when I go to change the filter media in this one it causes a mini cycle. If it will not cause a mini or a full cycle when I change the filter pad then I'm happy to stick with this one.

 

[Lillefishy]

You don't change the sponge unless it's on it's last legs & falling apart, just give it a gentle squeeze in old tank water if it gets gungy.

 

[Seal36]

Also the filter came with the new tank I did not by the filter separately from Tom
Ok and when it is falling apart when I take out the only filter sponge In the filter it would surely get rid of all the good bacteria and cause the tank to cycle wouldn't it from Tom

 

[Lillefishy]

It takes years for the sponge to fall apart.
If that did happen then just take a little out at a time & replace with new

 

[Ch4rlie]

You don't change the sponge unless it's on it's last legs & falling apart, just give it a gentle squeeze in old tank water if it gets gungy.

 
Yup, +1
 
If for any reason you are not happy with the filter, you can easily get a new one, depends on your budget and what type you would like, internal filter, Fluval U filters is pretty decent, HOB like penguin/marineland are pretty good I hear, externals like APS, Fluval and Tetra Tec all have their good and bad points but all 3 are pretty decent though.
 
Hope that helps a little bit.

 

[Seal36]

Ok thank you then I will just stick with the filter that came with the tank. I just wanted to make sure that after I had set up the new tank and everything that when I do replace the filter that it does not cause the tank to cycle. Also would you suggest cutting the filter in half so when I do need to change it I can take half and and replace with new and then take the other half out at a later date from Tom

 

[fluttermoth]

I'd cut it into four, although as the other posters have said, it will be years before it needs replacing.
 
You'll need to cut it up to put your old stuff in anyway

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Another option would be to stick the old sponge in a sock or some pantyhose and hang it in the tank for awhile, the bacteria should recolonize  to the new filter sponge.

 

[fluttermoth]

Another option would be to stick the old sponge in a sock or some pantyhose and hang it in the tank for awhile, the bacteria should recolonize  to the new filter sponge.

This really doesn't work that well. The bacteria don't 'swim' or move about through the water, they stay pretty much stuck to the media, so the old and new media need to be in direct physical contact with each other for the bacteria to spread.

 

[Seal36]

I can fit the old media in with the new media without cutting the old media up as I can just put it in the plastic container behind the blue media so that the bacteria can travel from the white sponge at the back all the way to the front of the new blue media. I will cut it the new media into 4 from Tom

 

[KirkyArcher]

A good little filter, In mine there is a plug of foam that when removed reveals a cylindrical space for carbon, I removed this and filled the void to capacity with Ehiem substrat plus ceramic media, this then can get transferred over If ever the foam does require replacing, and even then I'd just stuff the old sponge in it's entirety in the bottom of the "cartridge" it may well reduce the flow but after a few weeks the new foam would be seeded, and be able to cope on its own,

 

[Blondielovesfish]

 

Another option would be to stick the old sponge in a sock or some pantyhose and hang it in the tank for awhile, the bacteria should recolonize  to the new filter sponge.

This really doesn't work that well. The bacteria don't 'swim' or move about through the water, they stay pretty much stuck to the media, so the old and new media need to be in direct physical contact with each other for the bacteria to spread.
 

 
Hmm, really? 
I successfully seeded a new filter with this method, though that may have been to other contributing factors. 
 
Thank you for correcting me

 

[Seal36]

Thank you kirky so yours have a cylindrical space in it do you have the exact same filter as the one in the picture and if so where about exactly did you find this other space. Thanks for all your help guys from Tom