Need Some Help With My New Fish

[Miles_hot]

I don't know your filter however I would note that
1) you shouldn't change the filters as often as suggested by the manufacturers - this is just a spares/money scam - sponges only need to be changed when they are physically getting past it (at least 16 washes)
2) rather than replace wash - in a bucket of tank water (absolutely not tap water as the chlorine will kill the bacteria)
3) when replacing the primary bio media in your filter try not to replace more than 1/3 at a time. This sounds like it could be difficult in your case; either get into the replaceable cartridge or get another filter - you're right in saying that you'll be into a brand new cycle every time you replace the filter if you're throwing all the bacteria out each time!

If you haven't already have a read of the Beginner's information at the top of the forum - it is really good!

Regards

Miles

 

[CrazyAirborne]

im relatively familiar with that filter, i think i have one out the garage actually. Just rinse out the cartridge if it gets too gunked up, but dont throw it away. also like said, only rinse it out in old tank water, never tap water. if there is room in the filter, you could add some ceramic "noodles" or get some bioballs. as long as water flows over them, they will grow good bacteria.

 

[laxzilla123]

Alright so I did my test this morning and my test kits are saying that my nitrite levels are 0ppm, nitrate 20ppm, and ammonia is between 0 and .5ppm( that's as specific as it gets). Should I be changing out water and if so how much

 

[fluttermoth]

You want to do at least 50% but you can do more. As long as the fish have enough water to swim upright, you can go down as low as you want to. Don't forget to switch your heater and filter off when you're doing large changes

 

[librarygirl]

You may want to look at these links if you haven't already: Beginner's Resource Center, particularly the fish-in cycle guide. And you want to get that liquid test kit (API Master Kit is recommended) ASAP; don't get strips even though they are cheaper as they are usually not accurate. Good luck!

 

[Tizer]

Tiger barb tanks rock xD