Filter Question

[DebraAustin]

I just bought new charcoal filter for my tank. The other looks totally wasted. It is the one that went through the straight ammonia cycle and I think it damaged the white pouch material. Anyway, this is my first filter change. I know I need to keep the old one in the tank, but does it still need to have water running through it or can I just hang it in the corner until the other one builds up enough bacteria? Also, how long will it take for the new filter to build up the necessary bacteria? Thanks in advance.

Debra

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Well, if you want to colonize the new material, both filters should be running. An easier method, if possible, would be to switch filter media.

I would suggest you get filter floss/fiber and keep only 1-2 cartridges of carbon filters on hand for when you medicate the tank. I say this since floss
is cheaper, and it still performs mechanical and biological filtration. The only time you need chemical filtration is when you're medicating, so continuously buying expensive cartridges seems like a waste to me.

 

[DebraAustin]

Well, if you want to colonize the new material, both filters should be running. An easier method, if possible, would be to switch filter media.

I would suggest you get filter floss/fiber and keep only 1-2 cartridges of carbon filters on hand for when you medicate the tank. I say this since floss
is cheaper, and it still performs mechanical and biological filtration. The only time you need chemical filtration is when you're medicating, so continuously buying expensive cartridges seems like a waste to me.

Hmm, not sure I'm understanding what you are saying. I only have room in the housing for one filter. Can I empty the carbon out of the old one and just stick the covering in there or can I somehow hang it just outside the housing, where it will still get water flow through it.

I'm not familiar with filter floss/fiber. Is that just the white fibery stuff without the carbon?

Sorry to sound so ignorant, but I am. Please help me be less so.

 

[diademhill]

Just cut the carbon out of your existing cartridge, give the whole thing a swish in water you've taken from the tank & put this cartridge, sans carbon, back in.
Each time you change a cartridge you lose most of the tanks bacteria colony.
Carbon is not needed except when removing toxins or medications.

 

[blackguppy]

It's hard to discuss this without knowing what type of filter we're talking about.