Filter, Filter Sponges...only 1!

[ajbettle]

right i have a Aqua-40 and it came with a Aqua 1 filter flow, it only has 1 filter sponge in it so i was wondering what happens when i come to changing it, wont i be just getting rid of the bacteria on the filter sponge and just cycling the tank again??

if this is true iv had an idea:

- cut the filter sponge in half, this way i can change half at a time leaving one half full of bacteria!

but wud i be cycling it over again by changing the flter sponge? (im a bit worried!) theres only one for the bacteraia to live on so when i buy a new one id be cycling it again!

 

[FroggFrogg]

Yea you could possibly be risking a mini cycle so to speak. I dont see a problem with cutting the sponge in half TBH. I have done it before with no problems!

 

[ajbettle]

cool, i will cut the new one in half and change each half at diff. times, wat do u guys think??

 

[andywg]

You should only really change it when it is falling apart, but the way you have described should be ok, failing that, what I sometimes do is wedge the old sponge over the intake for a few weeks.