Filter Help

[Inker]

I am using an Regent Aqua-Tech power filter and would like to know some info on the filter change (cartridge):

Here is a pic of the cartridge so you can get a better Idea of which one I need to know about.

Where do I put the cartridge a week before putting it back into the filter?, I read online that letting it absorb tank water a week before installing should be good to gain important culture for a cycling/cycled tank.

Ok, so I plan on soaking it in tank water (if it's the right thing to do), but I am not clear where to place it to get the proper culture. Do I hang it on the inside of the operating tank? I have fish in this tank, will they not peck at the fiber?
If I can hang it, I will tie it off and hang it near the surface of the tank on the side wall... Is this proper?

Anyone with good advice on this, please reply because I am truly stumped. Just putting in a brand new cartridge can throw off the cycling/cycled tank right?

TIA

Inker

 

[Lithril]

Did you read the info on the previous thread you posted? Just had a look and some the questions have been answered on there

 

[Inker]

Thanks, I read that earlier, I was not fully understanding about the cartridges.... In the other reply to my post you mentioned rinsing the foam, as you see in the picture on my starting post on here, these can be rinsed correct?

If so then great.

But in the event I do need to buy a new cartridge, setting the cartridge inside the tank for a week before adding it to the filter should work? And hanging it on the inside of the tank should be proper as well or just float it?

I plan on rinsing it as much as possible, I think I need to add that I have filter bags over the spout and often vacuum the debris off, and nothing makes it to the cartridge other then the water and micro goodies (of course).

Inker

 

[Lithril]

Yup those filters can be rinsed, just take one out when cleaning and wash it off in the old tank water you've taken out to remove the majority of the sludge.

I wouldn't have thought you'd need to change the sponges more than yearly, and then only if they start getting seriously blocked or falling apart. You should just be able to buy new sponges instead of replacing the whole cartridge. To change the pads if there is enough room between the two (some filters have a space for additions) then you could add a new sponge there and let it seed and then replace one sponge at a time, otherwise leave it in the tank for a couple of days then replace one pad at a time, whatever you do don't replace both pads at the same time or you'll risk your tank starting to cycle again.

Sorry I can't be of more help I've not seen one of the filters that you've got (fairly new to this myself).

btw if I've confused you at all just yell and I'll try to explain, working nights this week and its 0515 at the mo so rapidly losing coherency

 

[Lithril]

edit: oops