Filter replacement

[atoosi]

Hey everyone,

I was hoping someone would be able to tell me how to slowly incorporate this filter into my tank so that I preserve the cycle that I've created over the last three months. The filter is a top fin product. It only allow space for one filter. Someone had told me to cut the old filter and place this one inside of it, but I can't see how that would be possible. Any advice would be appreciated. I attached a photo of my tank. Not that it matter but at least you can help this lovely fish! Thank you.

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[SFFishSticks]

For most filters, the carbon and pad are providing mechanical and chemical filtration, the biological will be with bio balls, a bio wheel, a sponge or something else, depending on the filter. Is there anything else that the water flows through or over after the pad?

 

[atoosi]

For most filters, the carbon and pad are providing mechanical and chemical filtration, the biological will be with bio balls, a bio wheel, a sponge or something else, depending on the filter. Is there anything else that the water flows through or over after the pad?

I don't believe so. Here is what my filter looks like..

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[SFFishSticks]

I'd be afraid of crashing my cycle too. I'd probably try to drop some bio balls down in the filter in the triangle area before the overflow (and maybe before the filter too) and give them a chance to build up some beneficial bacteria, otherwise you're just going to be relying on whatever is in your gravel bed which doesn't get a lot of circulation. I don't see how two filters can fit in there or a clean way to get the other one seeded.

I'd probably lean towards filling the whole thing with a mesh bag of bio balls after getting the first batch with the existing filter seeded, and rinse the balls in water change water when needed. Maybe you can get a plain sponge/floss in there before the balls for mechanical filtration too.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Why replace this filter media? Just rinse it out in dechlorinated water (i.e. Old tank water).


Keep the same media you have until it is falling apart. In the meantime, get a bit of ceramics or bioballs (the ceramics will likely be cheaper) and add them to the empty space... loosely packed.

These will also provide a spot for the bacteria to grow and when the cartridge you have finally is so clogged it won't allow water to flow effectively, you have bacteria there (as well as other surfaces in the tank) and you won't lose the cycle.

DO NOT FOLLOW the manufacturer's directions for replacing cartridges. You do not need to do it that often...or even close to that often. Just rinse it monthly.

 

[atoosi]

Why replace this filter media? Just rinse it out in dechlorinated water (i.e. Old tank water).


Keep the same media you have until it is falling apart. In the meantime, get a bit of ceramics or bioballs (the ceramics will likely be cheaper) and add them to the empty space... loosely packed.

These will also provide a spot for the bacteria to grow and when the cartridge you have finally is so clogged it won't allow water to flow effectively, you have bacteria there (as well as other surfaces in the tank) and you won't lose the cycle.

DO NOT FOLLOW the manufacturer's directions for replacing cartridges. You do not need to do it that often...or even close to that often. Just rinse it monthly.

Thank you so much. You two gave great advice!!



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[atoosi]

I'd be afraid of crashing my cycle too. I'd probably try to drop some bio balls down in the filter in the triangle area before the overflow (and maybe before the filter too) and give them a chance to build up some beneficial bacteria, otherwise you're just going to be relying on whatever is in your gravel bed which doesn't get a lot of circulation. I don't see how two filters can fit in there or a clean way to get the other one seeded.

I'd probably lean towards filling the whole thing with a mesh bag of bio balls after getting the first batch with the existing filter seeded, and rinse the balls in water change water when needed. Maybe you can get a plain sponge/floss in there before the balls for mechanical filtration too.

Thank you so much!


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