When And How To Change Filter Media

[oneblondebrow]

Hi all, I have a couple of questions regarding my filter media in my 48 litre (10 Gallon) freshwater aquarium that has been running for over 4 months now, the filter is an interpret internal, here they are...

1. When should i change the filter media?

2. How do i change the media without having to cycle the tank? I was thinking that maybe if i were to remove the carbon filter from one side of the filter and add the new foam filter in its place then i would be running a cycled media in one side and a new filter media in the other, If i did this for a few weeks then the new media should have an abundance of bacteria in it?, I can then remove old filter re-introduce the carbon filter and viola, media is changed without cycling the tank, Would this work?

Thanks

 

[OohFeeshy]

You only need to change the media when it's so old it starts falling apart. If you do need to do so, usually you do half or so at a time. It's probably worth changing the carbon to normal sponge anyway, the carbon isn't really doing anything so you might as well replace it with something useful.

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

The main media does not need replacing until it is literally falling apart. Most media sponges will last several years, simply wash it in tank water and put it back in.

The only exceptions to this is:

1. Filter floss if your filter has this in it. It is like a cotton wool type pad used for filtering small particles. This can be replaced every 1-2 weeks.
2. Carbon - This isnt needed in your filter 24/7 it is used for removing chemicals such as medications from the water. Carbon loses its effectiveness within 3-5 days so after this it will act as a normal media sponge for bacteria to grow on so you can leave this in at the moment.

Andy

 

[stoneagedinosaur]

Following this thread - I am looking to get rid of my carbon filter cartridge (whilst keeping a spare one handy for when it's needed) and replacing it with a tray of noodles and some medium spongey stuff. Will that work?

 

[onebto]

Following this thread - I am looking to get rid of my carbon filter cartridge (whilst keeping a spare one handy for when it's needed) and replacing it with a tray of noodles and some medium spongey stuff. Will that work?

Simply yes