RoLo
New Member
How often should these be replaced? The instructions that came with my filter say to change them every 4 weeks. Should I follow what they say, or should I wait longer? What is a recommended timeframe for changing them?
Does that go for both my carbon filter and my bio-wheel filter?Ignore that indicator, it is a chemical timer designed to sell filter cartridges. I never even bothered to install the timer on mine.
The thing you do is rinse out your cartridge whenever it starts to affect flow or more often if you wish. Use the old water in your water change bucket when rinsing to avoid issues with chlorine.
I know not to clean the biowheel, my question is should I replace the filter cartridge? And on the carbon one I know not to replace the sponge, but was asking about the filter cartridge.The biowheel does not need cleaning. It grows a thin layer of bacteria on it that can become a significant part of the total biological filtration in your tank. I only ever clean the pivot points on a wheel.
I know not to clean the biowheel, my question is should I replace the filter cartridge? And on the carbon one I know not to replace the sponge, but was asking about the filter cartridge.The biowheel does not need cleaning. It grows a thin layer of bacteria on it that can become a significant part of the total biological filtration in your tank. I only ever clean the pivot points on a wheel.