Filter Issue

[MadridKid]

I will be cleaning and working on my tank today! But i have a problem. My filter media needs changing and the filter its self does too. I dont want to destroy my beneficial bacteria...so how should i do this?

[sombunya]

If you have a multi-stage filter like the Aquaclear I'd say do one section of it at a time. If you need a new filter of the same type, save the media and replace the filter mechanism. If you're replacing the filter with a different type try to fit some of the old media into the new one.

Or, if you have lots of gravel and decorations you can do the filter and housing and feed them lightly while your tank bacteria build back up. If you do it this way, check the water parameters and be prepared to do some changes.

[Kalavek]

I've had this same thought about the bacteria when changing the filters on my 25g.

It's a TopFin 60, so it has two filter cartridges in it - I usually swap them both out when the overflow on the filter gets excessive, about three weeks or so. When I change the cartridges out, I'll put a dose of Cycle into the filter (amount based on tank volume).

Should I only be changing one cartridge at a time, to keep the bacteria colony going? And for that matter, how can I judge the health of the colony? Testing the water always shows zero ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. As far as I know, this is the only indication the bacteria is there.

[MadridKid]

yah well i dont wanna risk it...so it looks like i'll have to clean it out and use the same crappy cartridge...then in a week try to swap it out and use a bit of cycle like you said...but i hear it doesnt work so yah...any other suggestions would be great.

[Kalavek]

Sorry, still trying to catch up on the basics - most of the things I do on my tank are based on product labels and broad forum searches. I only use Cycle because

a) I've seen numerous references to it being used by people who seem to know a lot more than I do, and

b) nobody has given me reason to believe it's full of fail.

Also, I'm using strictly "beginner" fish - they may be perfectly comfortable with the way I manage the tank, but then again my methods might kill a more sensitive species.

[Surprise_Clown_Loach]

What kinda of filter do you have?

You never want to replace 100% of your filter media at the same time, this is where the majority of your beneficial bacteria live.

You can also rinse out your mechanical filter in tank water, instead of replacing with a new filter. Do not use tap water as the chlorine found in most tap water will kill your bacteria.

Future, if possible, add bio media to your filter. (Bio ball, ceramic rings, ceramic cylinders) Aquaclear sells small bags that will fit into almost any HOB filter. Give it a good 6 weeks for bac to grow on it, then feel free to change out your mechanical filters.

[Kalavek]

Originally Posted by Surprise_Clown_Loach

What kinda of filter do you have?

You never want to replace 100% of your filter media at the same time, this is where the majority of your beneficial bacteria live.

I suspected as much - the tapwater/chlorine note as well.

Maybe my perspective is off, but it looks like a basic hang-on filter system (while popular) isn't a great solution if you want your biological filtration to be stable, since you disturb it every time you replace either the carbon or the sleeve. Some of these multi-tank/multi-pump filtration systems I've been seeing are starting to make a lot more sense.

I'd like to be able to replace or clean each stage of the filtration individually, rather than all at once, with redundancy to prevent wiping out balances. Eventually I'm going to need a bigger tank, and I'm going to want some more interesting fish in it. Somehow I don't feel entirely comfortable relying on these combination filter systems if I'm planning on spending more money and time on fish care.

[MadridKid]

I have a tetra power filter...HOB. so what should i do about unjamming the impeller and suction tube, and the filter media cartridge?

[Kalavek]

Originally Posted by MadridKid

I have a tetra power filter...HOB. so what should i do about unjamming the impeller and suction tube, and the filter media cartridge?

Tetra makes a variety of products - can you be more specific about which power filter it is?

If it is anything like my TopFin 20 or 60, it should come apart without too much trouble for a good cleaning. Probably best to shut it off and remove the entire HOB unit from the tank. To get to my impeller I just pull the intake tube straight up and out of the housing. On my TopFin 60, I have to reach down into the filter and fish the impeller out. On my TopFin 20, the impeller comes out of the filter housing with the intake tube.

I don't know what to do about the bacteria aside from what's already been stated above. This thread is already changing the way I do my tank maintenance. I'll only be changing one of the two filters in my HOB at a time now, and I've got a piece of driftwood that I'm adding to my tank that will supposedly house some beneficial bacteria.

I'll also be looking into getting bio-bags or something specifically to preserve the bacteria. My question is: should I put them on the dirty side of my filter cartidge, or the clean side?

[Surprise_Clown_Loach]

Originally Posted by Kalavek

I suspected as much - the tapwater/chlorine note as well.

Maybe my perspective is off, but it looks like a basic hang-on filter system (while popular) isn't a great solution if you want your biological filtration to be stable, since you disturb it every time you replace either the carbon or the sleeve. Some of these multi-tank/multi-pump filtration systems I've been seeing are starting to make a lot more sense.

I'd like to be able to replace or clean each stage of the filtration individually, rather than all at once, with redundancy to prevent wiping out balances. Eventually I'm going to need a bigger tank, and I'm going to want some more interesting fish in it. Somehow I don't feel entirely comfortable relying on these combination filter systems if I'm planning on spending more money and time on fish care.

AquaClear BioMax Filter Insert - Filter Media - Fish - PetSmart

These are ceramic rings that go into the HOB filter. That virtually you'll never take out. Allow bacteria to grow on them 1st (6-8wks)

Ah, you must be using a HOB filter that uses one insert that has all the types of filter media in one inclusive filter.

Look @ the Aquaclear line of HOB filters. That kind of HOB filter, the media is separate, and can be purchased and replaced individually. (I do not know specifically what your HOB filter looks like) I run one mechanical filter (sponge) and 2 biomax bags. (one stands ready to be my "kickstart" on tank #2 when we get it! )

Another point is you can select what medias you run in your filter. Carbon isn't really good if you wish to grow live plants. Ammonia neutralizer shouldn't be run 24/7. etc..

Canister filters do rock! And I'm looking to upgrade myself.

Your sponge does not need to be replaced when it starts to look ugly. It only needs to be replaced when water no longer flows though it after you "clean" it. This is easily 4-6 months (at least for my sponge.....) I just take the sponge out, and give it some serious squeeze’en in the old tank water bucket during my water changes.