Changing The Filter...

[KrayzieVanh]

I have a question before I remove my old filter and replace it with a new one. Should I remove the carbon on the new filter? Also, do I just wash off the old filter with tank water and place it back into the tank for the bacteria to form on the new filter? I guess that was two questions.

I have one of those Whisper Filter Cartridges.

 

[Torrean]

carbon is mainly for removing any chems that happen to spill into your water and to help remove medications after treatment. It is not neccessary but I would keep a carbon pad handy just in case something unexpected happens. If you want to remove the carbon bag replace it with some filter floss. Why are you changeing filters and are you changeing filters or filter cartridges?

EDIT: If you are changing filters I would swish the old filter pads in the tank first then let the new filter suck up the gunk that somes off. That should seed your new filter.

 

[dreworz5]

i was wib=nering about what to do too, when you need to change the cartrige.

 

[KrayzieVanh]

Well I'l replacing the whole thing. The filter is pretty old (2 months plus). Will swishing the filter in the water harm the fishes? Particles getting stuck in the gills etc.

 

[Tolak]

When I had a filter that took cartriges, I used to swish the old one in a little tank water to get some of the particles of gunk off, then toss it in the tank for a week. Never had a cycling problem.

The few odd filters I have that are supposed to have cartriges have been modified to use cut down Aqua Clear sponges. They last for years, just a few squeezes in old tank water to clean, & back in the filter they go.

 

[blitztidus]

swishing the new filter or the old. DEFINATELY not the old, but why would you want to do that anyways.

 

[Tolak]

Swish the old filter cartridge in a bucket with old tank water. Float the old cartridge in the tank. Toss out the bucket of nasty water.

 

[dreworz5]

how about cutting a piece of the cartige and stick it in the new one where you put thje carbon, think that would work??

 

[Tech-Frog]

Personally id adjust them so they are not as powerfull then put both in for a week of so for the biological filter to develop, then turn the power back up and remove the old one.