filter cartridges

[gale]

or not? If so how often? I know all about the beneficial bacteria in them but the LFS (I know, I know) said I should change the filter once a month or the bad stuff will just be leaching back into my tank. I rinse it out in siphoned tank water every so often but haven't changed it yet. My filter is a penguin bio wheel (without the wheel) and has carbon in it. thanks!

 

[MNfishy]

I just change it when the filtration slows down to a drip. And when i doo change i try to get at much of the benificial bacteria off like floating it for a while

 

[gale]

I just change it when the filtration slows down to a drip. And when i doo change i try to get at much of the benificial bacteria off like floating it for a while

Thanks. You know, I just thought of something. I think there would be room for me to put it in my filter compartment next to the other cartridge. I guess that would get the new one full of stuff too. Either way I'll transfer the gunk somehow.

 

[MXPX4318]

why not just buy a biowheel for it then you can change your filter out as often as needed (about 1-2 months) as if you leave the filter in there too long the carbon will leach chemicals back into your water, and the biowheel will keep your bacteria alive. Any fish store should carry a biowheel replacement, I know Petsmart does and all of my lfs do as well. I think that'd be your best bet.

 

[gale]

why not just buy a biowheel for it then you can change your filter out as often as needed (about 1-2 months) as if you leave the filter in there too long the carbon will leach chemicals back into your water, and the biowheel will keep your bacteria alive. Any fish store should carry a biowheel replacement, I know Petsmart does and all of my lfs do as well. I think that'd be your best bet.

I actually still have the wheel but it sat (in the filter, but not covered) for years and I'm afraid all the dust and dirt that settled on it have made it unusable. Obviously the old bacteria are all dead by now. I might take it with me to the fish store on wednesday and see if they have some like it. I would feel better with a wheel in there anyway.

 

[enchanted]

Petsmart sells replacement bio-wheels for less than $2.00.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I never change my filter sponges. The thing about thing leeching back into your tank only goes for carbon. When the flow starts to drop it should be rinsed a little in tank water to get rid of tyhe major gunk. It should not be clean.

Please remember that petshops/manufacturers want to sell you things, take what they say with a pinch of salt or check here. This goes for filter foams et al and also fish food.

 

[gale]

Petsmart sells replacement bio-wheels for less than $2.00.

Are you serious??? My lfs said they're expensive and would set me back around $15. They even have to special order it for me. Too bad I don't have a petsmart-maybe I'll check online.

eta: I just checked petsmart and it's $5.99 plus $5.99 shipping for the one that fits my filter. I still think I might buy it there. I'm going to shop around online a little. I'll do almost anything to avoid taking my kids to the LFS.