How To Keep Biologicals In My 10 Gallon

[LineDropper]

Hello all -- this is my first post in this forum!

I have 2 10 gallon tanks I recently set up. One has a bio-wheel so I feel pretty good about the tank's biological stuff (sorry for the lack of terminology) hanging around as I change filters. The other is a Top Fin starter set and the filter that came with it does not have a bio-wheel. My question is -- in my tank w/o the bio-wheel, will I lose important biological content when I change filters? What should I do?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

With the Top Fin filters the cartridge can be opened if you want to replace the carbon. Don't replace the cartridge itself, just rinse it gently in old tank water.

 

[LineDropper]

Great - that makes me feel better. Thanks.

 

[LineDropper]

Just had another question about this ----> what do you think is the better long-term approach:

a) Bio-wheel and just change filters
B) No bio-wheel, change the coals
c) Bio-wheel, change the coals

?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Activated carbon is not necessary unless you are attempting to remove medications from the tank. You can leave the expired carbon in your filter to give the bacteria extra surface area to grow on, you can continue to replace the carbon if you prefer it, or you can put another kind of filter media into the cartridge bag to replace the carbon. The choice is really up to you. Bio-wheels are also a matter of personal preference...I've heard some people complain that they are too noisy.