How Often Are You Supposed To Change The Filter?

[sbga]

Hey I was wondering, how often is it necessary to change the filter in my tank? The tank is many years mature and I have a over the back filter and an undergravel filter.

 

[celaeno]

you should never change your filter unless it's broken. if you have a filter that uses cartridges for mechanical filtration, i'd replace those every 3 months or until they're worn and/or impede the flow.

 

[KraKen]

you should never replace the filter or the filter media(unless it's actually falling apart or is chemical filtration), just rinse it in tank water,

 

[sbga]

Ok, thanks for clarifying. I am talking about the filter media, the cotton looking stuff. I changed it a while ago but now that I know, I won't change it again

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I change filter floss weekly. It is a great mech media but useless for bio,

 

[sbga]

So are you saying that I should replace it every once it while?
I just dont want to damage the beneficial bacteria, but in my over the back filter it has a thing in it which I believe holds the beneficial bacteria, plus I have the undergravel filter, so I dont think it would hurt right?

 

[celaeno]

what's the brand and model of your filter?

 

[sbga]

it's a Millenium 2000, that's all I know because I don't have the manual. I'm using Whisper filter cartridges because I couldn't find any for that brand. They seem to fit alright though

Should I replace the carbon too?

 

[Iron Man]

If you have an undergravel filter there is no need to worry about disturbing the bacteria in the HOB as you have plenty in your gravel. If you're getting stuff on your filter floss in your HOB say within a week I'd rinse it off every week or so. Its just whenever it gets dirty and starts impeding flow, etc.

As far as running carbon that is debated among fish keepers. Some say it serves no purpose and others say their fish are happier with it in the filter. I myself run carbon and am happy because of my very clear water and I have less algae issues than I've ever had.

In fact, my water is so crystal clear with the carbon running, I don't have to put any filter floss in my Eheim filter at all.

Oh, and about replacing the carbon. According to how much you have running as opposed to your fish load. I run a good bit but I still change mine every month.