First Filter Questions

[anusingh88]

Hey Guys,

Here is a description of the filter I have right now in my 5.5 gallon tank holding one VT betta.

Elite Stingray 5
A submersible aquarium filter that is ideal for tanks up to 5 gallons (25L) in volume. Filter is quiet, easy to setup, use, and maintain. Rotational head allows water exhaust to be aimed in any direction. Attaches to the aquarium wall using suction cups mounted on the back of the unit. Pumps up to 120 litres per hour. 220v, 60 Htz, 2.7w operation.
1.5m electrical cord supplied.
Each filter operates with two carbon/zeolite filter cartridges and one foam filter set (supplied).
Approximately 5.5” x 4.25” x 2.25”.

I have had the filter for about a month. I was wondering if i should be doing anything to the foam or the carbon filter cartridges. Should i be replacing them with new ones? Rinsing them? I have had my betta for three months now, and the tank wasn't cycled then.....so since it has been three months....is the tank cycled now?

He's healthy, has longer fins than when I first got him. Eats 4 pellets a day. Loving every bit of him

Thanks for all the help!

 

[betta fish]

Hi, I have an elite 5 in a betta tank too and on every 4th water change (i.e once a month) I take the media out and rinse it in the used tank water only, there is no need to replace the sponges until they are actually falling apart and then you only do half at a time so not to upset the filters bacteria balance. I haven't had to yet and mine is over a year old, the little kidney shaped baskets with the carbon and zeolite in have been swapped with filter floss in mine as I read somewhere that this is better, think it may have been on this very forum! the tank should be cycled if the filter has been in there for 1 month now and not cleaned.

 

[loraxchick]

only clean the filter media if you notice a reduction in the flow of the filter. when flow is noticeably reduced use the water you have emptied from the tank during a waterchange to clean the media( you also could use DECHLORINATED tap water) by just swishing it around in the old tank water to get rid of the big gunk. the media itself will be stained a sort of brown color.

 

[anusingh88]

Thank you guys!