how to change filter medium ?

[methical]

i'm just wondering how do i change the filter medium and perserve the existing bacteria in the tank ? seeing as the bacteria live in the filter medium

 

[Inchworm]

Hi methical

Most filter media can go a long time with only washing, as long as it's just rinsed out in water you take from the tank, not tap water.

To be more specific, it would help if you could tell us what kind of filter you are using.

 

[drobbins27]

To be more specific, it would help if you could tell us what kind of filter you are using.

My thoughts precisely

 

[methical]

oh basically coz i wanna buy a new filter becoz my old one is on its way out
i just wanted to know if the cycle will get ruined ?? if so what can i do to prevent it

its not a UG filter btw

 

[bartender_in_ny]

i like the penguin bio wheels. i have the 170 and when i do finally wash my media the first time , what ya lose on cartridge, is backed up by the cultures on the bio wheel...my dealer told me dont worry too often about the media till it almost gets clogged, then do a cpl rinses b4 replacing...being new, one would think cleaning the filter would be a good thing for cleanliness but i guess your better to leave it go, for best results....i also was told not to clean the media the same time as a water chg....just mt 2 cents...also depending on what size tank ya have the next penguin lger has 2 media cartridges side by side which allows for a single chg atta time when cleaning so thee isnt a disruption in your biological system, im gonna go with that one on the 30 gallon...but i understand the bio wheel helps keep the bacteria in good living condition to take up load when a chg is done...

the penguin 170 will turn over 170 gallons per hr, which is a lil over 6 times per hr for a 20 gallon...i guess water needs to be turned over at least 5 time in a hr, thats y i push it a lil with more fish than the *1" per gal rule* good quaility water im reading is the key..i'll always go big when getting filters, good luck man!!!!! were all learning here its awesome!!!!

 

[thecichlidaddict]

To preserve the biological filter run the new filter and the old filter at the same time for a couple of weeks before completely removing the old filter.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi methical

Unless your tank is very overstocked you should not have to worry about having to recycle when you change your filter media.

The beneficial bacteria is clinging to all the surfaces in the tank, not just in the filter. They coat the top 1/2 to 3/4 in of the gravel and are on the plants, decorations and glass as well.

Most of them are probably in the filter, though, so if you can run the old with the new for a week or two, so much the better. If not, make your change at a time that you are not planning on an aggressive cleaning of the tank too. Then feed lightly for a week and test the water during that time.

This is not a major problem, so don't worry about it. The worst that should happen is that you have to do an extra water change to help your bacteria out until they get reestablished.

 

[methical]

Thanx for the advice

i think i will go with running both at the same time
because unfortunately it is a bit overstocked until i can give sum fish away

and the penguin 170 seems like a very good filter i'll have to look into it