Filter Change

[GuppyGirl20]

If i have a bio wheel do I need to seed (is that what it's called) my new filter or can I just swap them out? 

 

[Fishmanic]

you need to take the media from the old filter and put as much as you can fit into the new filter even if you have to cut it up to make it fit.  

 

[GuppyGirl20]

I'm sorry what does that mean??? (I'm still new to this whole aquarium thing)
Also I realized I forgot to say what goes in my filter. I use Auqa-tech ez-change #5 filter cartridge. It's a polyfiber pad with carbon in it.
I've had the thing in there since August and since there is no suggested renewal on the box I figured I'd ask when/how I need to change it (because I've heard several different things like I need to change it every month to only change it when the thing just gets completely gross looking so I don't know which one is right.)