Filter Wool After Cycling?

[Jonno]

Hi there,

My filter wool has been in during my cycle and now i have fish i need to change it for a new one. I'm a bit worried though that if i remove it now i'll take a load of bacteria with it

What's the best way to swap it without removing the bacteria? I was thinking of adding the new one, but put the old one in some sort of washing tablet bag and maybe reduce it in size slowly but surely?

How often are they supposed to be swaped, as the juwel one says weekly (although it's not been changed for about 1.5 months now)?

Jonno.

 

[backtotropical]

I assume you are referring to the filter wool in the Juwel internal filter?

If so, so long as you have the other sponges in place, replacing the filter wool will remove some bacteria, but not enough to make any real difference.

If you dont have other sponges in place, on no account remove it all at once.

 

[WILDER]

Don't bother with the juwel filter matting there to expensive when you have more than one tank.
I just buy a big bag of filter floss or matting and replace it once a week.
Just throw it away its only good for catching fine particles and if its blocked won't keep your water clear.
Or rinse it in tank water though I find juwel filter matting not good once you have rinsed the matting.

Do you have filter sponges in your tank?

 

[Rooster]

What other media is in there, apart from the "floss" ?

 

[Jonno]

Hi there,

Thanks for the replies

I have 3 coarse and 3 fine sponges in there. The think that worries me is the fact that it is the first media after my seed, so will surely house some bacteria

Good tip about the filter floss wilder

Jonno.