Can't Decide

[ReptileLuver729]

Which cycle method should I use? The Add Daily or The Add and Wait method? So with the add and wait method would I just fill up the tank and add declorinator then all the ammonia stuff? The thing about that is the water conditioner that I have kills ammonia and helps prevent the accumulation of it. How long should I wait after I think the tank is done cycling to add the puffer? I have the Tetra Whisper filter. Since you have to keep the bacteria can I change the filter cartridge? My filter stops working when the cartridge gets dirty.

so far from what i've read alot of the experienced people say to use the add and wait method that way at the end you dont have to wait for a really long time because of the nitrite build up since the bacteria that break down the nitrite grow slower than the ammonia breaking bacteria.
the only suggestion i know of for the water conditioner is to probably switch to a dechlorinator like aqua safe i think its made by tetra comes in a yellow bottle. and you should treat the water before putting it into the tank that way you avoid chlorinating your filter media where the bacterial will grow. you want to add your fish after the bacteria colonies can break down about 5ppm in i think 12 hrs.
for your filter you dont have to change the cartridge that often or you'll be taking away the bacteria colonies. what you want to do when it gets dirty is rinse it the water you take out for a partial water change. do not use tap water at all to rinse the cartridge or you will kill the bacteria with the chlorine.
i hope that helps

So everytime you clean the tank you just take out the insert and wash it in the dirty fish water? What if you absolutely have to change the insert what do you do soak it in dirty fish water too?

 

[Paavn]

if you have to absolutely change the insert from what the people in the forum suggest is leaving the insert in the tank for about a week before replacing it with the old insert. it makes sense cause this should give the instert time to grow a culture of bacteria on it. and as for the rinsing off yea basically in the water you take out of the tank. the water shouldnt be that dirty if its being filtered properly and it shouldnt be dirty because thats the water you fish is in. essentially you are doing a water change to get rid of the nitrate build up in the tank