How Do I Most Efficiently Change My Filter?

[chelsiethegreat]

im needing some suggestions on the best way to change my filter. I have a 15 gallon tank with 8 fancy guppies and 4 emerald cories... i've pretty much had the same filter in there for like 4 months, i just clean it weekly and re use it.. is there different way i should go about this? should i change my filter? if so whats the best way

 

[fluttermoth]

Are you talking about the actual filter, or the media inside it?

If you're just talking about the media, then you don't change it. That's where all the good bacteria live and if you change it, you'll lose them all and have to recycle your system.

If it does ever start to disintegrate, then replace no more than one third every month.

Of course, if you want to change the actual filter itself, then you need to transfer all your old media to the new filter, or again you'd have to recycle .

 

[zain611]

I wouldnt clean the filter sponge once a week as you may lose the good bacteria and you may go into a mini cycle which your fish wont like

 

[chelsiethegreat]

what do i do with it then?? keep it forever? ? ?

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, unless as I mentioned, it starts disintegrating, but that's honestly not very likely. I've got sponges and ceramic rings that have been in use, in different filters, for well over 20 years.

 

[chelsiethegreat]

thanks so much!what i needed to hear!