Just changed the filter media....

[Fawke]

Hi there,

Tonight i did my usual weekly water change and filter clean.
I rinsed all my filter media in tank water and but it back in the canister.

I also replaced TWO of the sponges - Fine white sponge and Course blue sponge.
I also have 2 other types of media which the names i cant recall (Hoopy stuff and White Large Gravel stuff)

I have a Eheim 2213 Classic Canister filter with the above media.

I am now sat here pondering if i should of changed both the sponges (which i squeezed into the tank) and threw away.......
I really do not want a mini-cycle, things have just settled down again...

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[rarefish]

I usually don't change my sponges unless they are older than 1 year or damaged. I clean the sponges with tank water as needed. You need some biological bacteria to help break down nitrites, nitrates, ammonia, etc. You should be ok as long as you test your water levels regulerly and everything is fine . If it is not, you will have to mini-cycle .

rarefish

 

[barbiya]

I should think you'll be fine. The gravel and tank hold a lot of good bacteria, as well. I change my filter cartridges every couple of months, when a rinsing won't do the trick.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Fawke

As a general rule, it's best to only change part of your filter media at a time.

On the other hand, there are lots of bacteria in your tank that help your filter to rapidly repopulate its colony. Beneficial bacteria is clinging to the gravel, the filter itself (if you didn't scrub it out) the glass, all the surfaces of your plants and it's also on the decorations.

Keep an eye on your water parameters for a while, but unless your tank is overcrowded, I doubt if you will have any problem.

 

[Fawke]

thanks for the replys

I didnt do a big clean of the filter, just rinsed the media and canister (using tank water) so hopefully will be ok. Im also laughably UNDER stocked, due to some problems with returned bullying fish and one lost to illness. thanks everyone, will test my water for the next few days and make a mental note not to do it again!