Filter Question

[JessiMommy]

Hi again! I know changing your filter cartridge monthly like the packaging says is not necessary & can harm my beneficial bacteria. My question is when is it OK to replace it? The reason I'm asking is because I have had an acidic water problem as of late. I've been trying to raise the pH of my water slightly to stop the growth of algae. I've done some sporadic cleaning that has caused all kinds of gunk & algae to get stirred up. The filter floss stuff is so gunked up with slimy goo now. It must still be doing it's job because the water is clear but should I replace this thing? It's the original cartridge that came with the tank which has been running about 4 months.

How do you ever change a filter for that matter? Isn't this where a lot of the beneficial bacteria live? I have a 12 gallon Eclipse tank with a filter cartridge that has flossy stuff & carbon. I also have a bio wheel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[goldfishattack]

the filter is home to alot of bacteria, considering that it sucks up all the nasty stuff and lets it build up. as far as changing your filter, it is allright if you change it every month.

 

[semper fi]

depends on what the medium is for the filter. filter packs, the floss, should be rinsed out in tank water during water changes. they can become clogged and make filtration stop. if you notice the water from the outtake area trickling, more than likely the filter is clogged.

as for mediums, carbon only has a life of about 3 weeks. after that they can leach back into the tank the toxins they have removed.

 

[Cate]

JessiMommy - Sounds like you and I have the same type of filter. I've asked the question before about changing the filter but never got a difinitive answer. I've had my setup for about 2 months and have yet to change the filter. I rinse it out in old tank water and just replace it. Obviously, the carbon is no longer active but changing the entire filter seems to be like spitting into the wind. The answers given so far are helpful, but can anyone tell us if there is another medium, like just floss instead of the flat filter that has floss and carbon, that can be used with a biowheel? Thanks for any and all advice...

 

[Mamaschild]

Let's see if I can help.

I change my filters whenever they clog enough to slow the filter flow or stop the biowheel from turning. I also have either biowheels or sponges on every tank (except the little ones) so removing the filter and it's bacteria doesn't do too much and I have never had a tank recycle.

Yes, rinsing the filter in tank water and putting it back in is great....until it gets so clogged the filter doesn't flow much, or it simply falls apart. A LOT of people wait for them to fall apart before replacing them, but I don't. That's up to you.

If you have a biowheel, don't worry about removing the bacteria on the filter. The biowheel is there to hold bacteria, and it does it's job very well. I like mine.

JessiMommy, I think I remember your "Acidic Water" post, and I think I tried to help you, but I'm not sure If you are just worried about the low Ph (acidic), then don't. Unless your water has a Ph of say...... 4, no worries. Many fish prefer lower Ph and many others will be fine in it. The more you adjust and "fix" the tank, the less stable it will become. It sounds like you have already discovered that, considering you have "been trying to raise the pH ". And, if your having an algea problem, why not just add an Algea eater? Much easier.

I can honestly say I WISH I had a lower Ph. My plants would be much happier.

Anyway, I hope that helps you out a little. Talk at ya later

 

[JessiMommy]

Let's see if I can help.

I change my filters whenever they clog enough to slow the filter flow or stop the biowheel from turning

Yes, rinsing the filter in tank water and putting it back in is great....until it gets so clogged the filter doesn't flow much

JessiMommy, I think I remember your "Acidic Water" post, and I think I tried to help you, but I'm not sure

It sounds like you have already discovered that, considering you have "been trying to raise the pH ". And, if your having an algea problem, why not just add an Algea eater? Much easier.

Anyway, I hope that helps you out a little. Talk at ya later

Thank you Mamaschild! I do rinse the filter in tank water when I do water changes but the slimy goo doesn't come off at all. So as long as my water flow is good which it is, I should leave the filter alone? Either way though you say my Bio Wheel holds enough beneficial bacteria so I won't experience a mini cycle if I do change the filter?

About my acidic water... it's not so much the pH of the water that disturbs me it's the algae that grows as a result. What do you mean when you say algae eater? Is this some type of product or are you talking about a fish? If it is a fish you mean what type? Also I currently have 2 platies, 2 cory cats and 4 neon tetras in a 12 gallon eclipse. Would adding another fish be too much for my current situation? If that's what you meant that is. I really appreciate your help!

 

[Cate]

Thank you Mamaschild! That was indeed helpful!

 

[emjay653]

JessiMommy,

It sounds like your 12 gallon is stocked to the limit, as the recommended fish per tank, is 1" per gallon. Personally I go over this limit, but that's me and it just means I do more frequent water changes.

With regards to the Algae Eater, it's a fish. There are different type of algae eaters, but so as to not put too much pressure on the environment I'd probably suggest an oto of some form, as they tend to be small, although I've never personally owned any. You could post a message in the Catfish Cradle for suggestions on a small algae eater, along with the size of tank and the fish in it for more expert advice.

Mj

 

[semper fi]

If you are just worried about the low Ph (acidic), then don't. Unless your water has a Ph of say...... 4, no worries. Many fish prefer lower Ph and many others will be fine in it.

a generalization like this is incorrect. just another example of doing the research on the fish you are planning on keeping and to choose according to the water in your area. brackish and cichlids prefer higher ph than other fish. cichlids should be kept in water that has a ph of 7.2 or higher.

as far as lowering the ph, bogwood will lower the ph naturally. also plecs need to have bogwood to rasp on. bogwood should be properly prepared so as not to turn the water a brown color.

there are ways to change the ph you have in your tap water naturally. not a firm beleiver in using alot of chemicals to change your water to your fish's preferences.

 

[Cate]

I'll put in a vote for the otos when it comes to algae eaters. I just got two and they cleaned the little bit of algae I had forming in less than 24 hours. Cute little buggers too!

 

[Mamaschild]

Sorry, I did mean an algea eater "fish" ) Should have specified. Got to agree with Cate on Ottos. They are adorable and GREAT algea eaters.

Hi Semper fi. I understand what you are saying, and I was specifically being general because I was not aware what kind of fish were being discussed. Since I now know it's Platy, Cory and Neons, the water is almost perfect. Especially for the Neons. I was kind of hoping that statement would lead to the party LEARNING what Ph was appropriate for THEIR fish. Also, JessiMommy is trying to RAISE the Ph, not lower it.

JessiMommy, Yes, the biowheel holds enough bacteria to keep the tank stable. Change the filters whenever you want. Your tank is stocked, but if you do a few extra water changes, you could add two Ottos. You MUST keep track of the NitrAtes, however. They are a sensative fish, and I have heard many problems with acclimating them to new environments, but I believe they are well worth the time and energy. Also, they LIKE lower Ph and softer water.

 

[semper fi]

you can use crushed coral to raise the ph to about 7. also helps to stabilize the ph. crushed coral can be used in the filter either as a medium or as a substrate. much rather prefer the look of the crushed coral as a substrate.

 

[JessiMommy]

you can use crushed coral to raise the ph to about 7. also helps to stabilize the ph. crushed coral can be used in the filter either as a medium or as a substrate. much rather prefer the look of the crushed coral as a substrate.

I would love to use the coral as a substrate in place of what I have now. Is that possible? How do you change the substrate with all the fish in there? Is it ok to use as a substrate with Cory Cats? Or did you just mean add a little to what substrate I have now?