Filter Questions

[gearhead65]

So, I read here that you should never replace your filter, just clean it. Well, last time I cleaned mine in some siphoned out tank water by swishing it around in the bucket and trying to spread out carbon in it. I tried cleaning off the foam part as best as I could but when I put it back in the filter box, the water just rose and started flowing over it. So, I'd like to replace the filter but I need the bacteria colonies. Should I put the new filter in the tank itself to establish the bacteria? If so, how long? I read somewhere to cut up the old filter and put the pieces in the filter box. I also plan to put a prefilter on the inlet tube and some cotton in the extra empty filter slot so the main filter won't clog right away. Also, my filter box has the bio-wheel that actually has only been turning for only a few days (It never really worked when I got it since it was missing one of the plastic bearing and it wouldn't turn. I was able to fix that though). Any suggestions?

 

[mtv8dmarine]

Correct me if I'm wrong but a lot of the bacteria is stored on the frame so replacing the filter floss is not an issue. I mean, dirty floss is dirty floss and will filter less efficiently if not replaced. I replace my floss monthly and haven't had an issue. I don't reuse it and rely solely on the bacteria remaining on the frame. I haven't had a filtering issue.

 

[Katty]

Are you replacing the entire filter unit or just the filter cartridge?

I've found replacing the entire filter cartridge doesn't mess up anything. I've had filters that were impossible to clean, you just had to throw away the whole cartridge. I think that the entire filter box is coated with the bacteria anyways, so they'll just re-colonize the new filter cartridge when you put it in. If you're really worried about the bacteria, cut up some of the old filter pad and stuff it in with the new filter cartridge. Take the old filter stuff out of the filter after maybe a week or two.