How often should I change my filter cartridge?

[ellamay]

I’ve had my tank up and running for about 6 weeks ish. Just put some fish and 2 shrimp in a couple of days ago. I was told on here not to change my filter cartridge yet but it’s looking very brown! I did try to clean it in the old tank water but it seems pretty hard to clean compared to other filter media I’ve seen. My local pet shop said when I do change the filter cartridge, to lay the old one on top of the new one so some of the healthy bacteria goes into it. Not sure if this is right though as I know the healthy bacteria is all over the surfaces in the tank.
When/ how often should I change the filter cartridge and is the one I’m currently using any good? Thanks ?

 

[Essjay]

The best thing to do is cut a slit in the carbon containing bag and empty out the carbon. Then cut some sponge down to the same size and hold that next to the cartridge and slide them both into the filter together. if there's more than one cartridge, do them one at a time with a month between. The description says it also has a biogrid so you shouldn't lose many bacteria when you throw away the carbon.

 

[Slaphppy7]

I’ve had my tank up and running for about 6 weeks ish. Just put some fish and 2 shrimp in a couple of days ago. I was told on here not to change my filter cartridge yet but it’s looking very brown! I did try to clean it in the old tank water but it seems pretty hard to clean compared to other filter media I’ve seen. My local pet shop said when I do change the filter cartridge, to lay the old one on top of the new one so some of the healthy bacteria goes into it. Not sure if this is right though as I know the healthy bacteria is all over the surfaces in the tank.
When/ how often should I change the filter cartridge and is the one I’m currently using any good? Thanks ?

Nothing wrong with it being brown in color....you just don't want it gunky.

 

[ellamay]

Nothing wrong with it being brown in color....you just don't want it gunky.

Ah ok thanks, it’s not gunky, just brown

 

[Essjay]

I once had a filter with blue sponges - they turned purple All my white sponges are now brown.

 

[ellamay]

The best thing to do is cut a slit in the carbon containing bag and empty out the carbon. Then cut some sponge down to the same size and hold that next to the cartridge and slide them both into the filter together. if there's more than one cartridge, do them one at a time with a month between. The description says it also has a biogrid so you shouldn't lose many bacteria when you throw away the carbon.

What kind of sponge? The filter only has one cartridge in it. So Ill just carry on cleaning it when I do a tank clean. What am I looking for as a sign that it needs changing?

 

[Slaphppy7]

What kind of sponge? The filter only has one cartridge in it. So Ill just carry on cleaning it when I do a tank clean. What am I looking for as a sign that it needs changing?

When it literally falls apart.
What kind of filter is this?

 

[Neleono]

Here's a video on a great way to optimize your filter. It saves a lot of money and time in the long run, and it allows you to keep your cycle. The filter used in the video is a Hang-on-Back filter but you can use the same process for all kinds of filter.

 

[Essjay]

What kind of filter is this?

Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox 600

Internal Aquarium Filter with heater compartment for crystal clear, healthy water thanks to innovative filter cartridge: fast, clean replacement – dry hands!

www.tetra.net

 

[PheonixKingZ]

You don’t need to replace it until it’s literally falling apart.

I’ve had the same cartridges in my internal filters for over a year.

 

[ellamay]

When it literally falls apart.
What kind of filter is this?

Good to know!

 

[ellamay]

Here's a video on a great way to optimize your filter. It saves a lot of money and time in the long run, and it allows you to keep your cycle. The filter used in the video is a Hang-on-Back filter but you can use the same process for all kinds of filter.

That’s great thank you!! I’d been struggling to find any relevant videos, I’ll have a look a this one now

 

[ellamay]

You don’t need to replace it until it’s literally falling apart.

I’ve had the same cartridges in my internal filters for over a year.

Oh great! Thanks!

 

[Boundava]

Here's a video on a great way to optimize your filter. It saves a lot of money and time in the long run, and it allows you to keep your cycle. The filter used in the video is a Hang-on-Back filter but you can use the same process for all kinds of filter.

I agree 1000% All of my HOB are modified, I have never used the supplied cartridge with the carbon, you can fill the opening of your filter with sponges and bacterial media like rings- though beneficial bacteria will grow on sponges too so you can just use sponges. There are tons of YouTube videos showing how to customize your HOB. That way your media will last pretty much forever with a good maintenance schedule and you will save $ by not having to buy replacement cartridges.