Changing wool in filter while cycling tank

[betazigzag]

Hi!
I got a betta 2 weeks ago and have him in a 5 gallon aquarium and am cycling it now. Sorry, but I had no idea about cycling before I bought him. I'm testing the water and doing 25 percent changes every other day while it is testing high for ammonia (several times a daily 25 percent water change was done when it tested very high) I am using a Hagen Box/Corner type filter which uses wool and carbon. I'll more than likely upgrade the type of filter in the future but for now this is what we got. Question - Was told to change the carbon every few days since its cycling and the levels are testing high, makes sense, so I'm doing that. Was also told to throw out the wool and totally replace it when it becomes dirty. If I throw out the wool and start clean again how will that help the tank cycle and create good bacteria? Wouldn't I be removing the good stuff along with the dirty wool? Wondering if I should only change part of the wool as needed? If this doesn't quite make sense, I'm sorry, but it seems to be against the idea of cycling to me. Thanks for any help you can give me

 

[Wisperian]

I would just leave it in

 

[GP]

Hi!
I got a betta 2 weeks ago and have him in a 5 gallon aquarium and am cycling it now. Sorry, but I had no idea about cycling before I bought him. I'm testing the water and doing 25 percent changes every other day while it is testing high for ammonia (several times a daily 25 percent water change was done when it tested very high) I am using a Hagen Box/Corner type filter which uses wool and carbon. I'll more than likely upgrade the type of filter in the future but for now this is what we got. Question - Was told to change the carbon every few days since its cycling and the levels are testing high, makes sense, so I'm doing that. Was also told to throw out the wool and totally replace it when it becomes dirty. If I throw out the wool and start clean again how will that help the tank cycle and create good bacteria? Wouldn't I be removing the good stuff along with the dirty wool? Wondering if I should only change part of the wool as needed? If this doesn't quite make sense, I'm sorry, but it seems to be against the idea of cycling to me. Thanks for any help you can give me

I'd leave everything in, otherwise nothing will become established. Also, I'd test your tap water, see if it has anything high to begin with.

 

[betazigzag]

I'd leave everything in, otherwise nothing will become established. Also, I'd test your tap water, see if it has anything high to begin with. [/quote]
Good idea so I tested our tap water. Ammonia is 0 and ph is right about 7. I don't have any of the other tests. Our water is from our own well that is filtered thru a huge sand/mineral filter twice, then refiltered thru a brita filter (we live on a mountain and have a lot of iron) Anyway, its pretty well filtered natural water. I also use a water conditioner in the fish water and let it sit 24 hours before adding. Leaving the wool as is makes more sense to me too. Thanks

 

[clutterydrawer]

even when teh tank is cycled, never change all the filter media at once. jsut clean it in water taken from the tank, or if it's really really disintegrating, change a little bit each week till it's all done.

 

[Kittycat]

I never heard of having to change filter wool while cycling. Most of what I read on the contrary would say that even when wool has already gotten very dirty and needs changing, change only some at a time. You need the bacteria that is in the wool to cycle. I change my wool about once a month.

 

[betazigzag]

Thanks for all your help, that's what I thought too but being new to fish its best to ask!