Changing Filter Inserts

[calicorpsgirl]

I only have a 10 gallon tank, and so I only have one filter hooked up to it. I have noticed the filter running a lot slower lately, and I believe it is due to the FILTHY filter insert. The thing is covered in a thick layer of who-knows-what. I would like to put a new insert into the filter so it will run better, but I am not sure how to do it safely. I know that the fish need the bacteria that are grown inside the filter. Would it be okay if I just set the new filter insert on the gravel inside the tank and let it sit there for a week or two to get bacteria growing on it? And then I can switch the old insert with the new one? Is that an effective method, or does anyone else have suggestions for a better way to safely change the insert?

Thanks!

 

[Spilk]

I use to get a large, clean bowl, fill it with aquarium water, give the old filter a really good cleaning in it and stick it back in the tank.

I suppose if you really need to change it, you could just clean the old one off and let the new one soak and swirl in the filthy water!

 

[gale]

Would it be okay if I just set the new filter insert on the gravel inside the tank and let it sit there for a week or two to get bacteria growing on it? And then I can switch the old insert with the new one? Is that an effective method, or does anyone else have suggestions for a better way to safely change the insert?

Thanks!

That's actually a really good idea! I wonder if the insert would stay at the bottom or if it would float...

 

[calicorpsgirl]

I use to get a large, clean bowl, fill it with aquarium water, give the old filter a really good cleaning in it and stick it back in the tank.

I suppose if you really need to change it, you could just clean the old one off and let the new one soak and swirl in the filthy water!

I have actually tried cleaning it several times, and while it helps a little bit, it doesn't help much. Trust me, this thing really needs to be changed, lol. I think I will try sticking the new one in the tank and see what happens (if I can even get it to stay underwater...I suppose I could set one of the aquarium decorations on top of it, haha). I'll let you guys know if it works or not.

 

[gale]

Here's another idea. In my filter box there's room to shove another cartridge in there next to the existing one. I have done it to seed the insert from my other tank and it didn't reduce water flow at all. You could do that for a couple of weeks to seed the new insert.