Amonia Balls

[Jozlyn]

It's probably time I change half of my filter sponge, which I'm guessing will cause a mini cycle.

Is it worth getting one of those "Ammo Balls" to help stop the mini cycle? Do they even work? How long do they last for?

 

[edgun88]

NO. Dont even bother getting that. The mini cycle will be so small that it wont even affect your fish at all and probably wont even be readable.

 

[Jozlyn]

Why?

 

[edgun88]

Why?

Why? Because you DONT want to stop a mini-cycle. The whole purpose of it is to balance the tank out again by growing beneficial bacteria. If you take ammonia out then the only thing it is going to do is kill off your remaining bacteria and then you will be left with a totally uncycled tank which you would have to cycle all over again. Trust me, I took out my whole entire filter cartridge one time and replaced it with a new one. I had a mini cycle for 2 days and then it was gone. It didnt effect my fish at all and the ammonia and nitrite were hardly readable on my test kit. Your fish will be fine.

 

[smmetz]

I think its a great idea you have, taking out only half of the sponge material. I have heard that it take a day or so for the bacteria to double. So, it will only need a day to catch up then.

Most people recommend feeding the fish lightly or fasting them for a day after changing the filter material. This way they produce less waste for a while, which will reduce any amonia buildup in the water while the bacteria catch up again.

 

[fozziebear]

another method is to put the new sponge in the tank for a few days so the bacteria can latch onto it.

 

[Griz]

I'm curious as to why you want to change your sponge media. Sponge type media will usually last for many years.

I would avoid amonia balls or similar products. Unnecessary & not worth the cash IMO. Monitor your ammonia level if you have a real need to change the media and make water changes to keep the amonia at a safe level.

Placing the new media into the tank, preferrably in or near the filter outflow, or better yet in the filter itself for a couple days will help seed the new media before you make the change.

 

[Jozlyn]

I'm putting in a new half, because the sponges appear to be pretty much blocked up with muck inside that rinsing them in the bucket isn't removing. I've also had the new piece of sponge sitting, sort of under the filter for about the last two weeks, so hopefully there'll already be some bacteria in there anyway