Is It Now Safe To Change My Filter Cartridge

[times9]

hi my new aquarium finished cycling 4 weeks ago. my fish have been in the tank for 4 weeks, is it safe for me to change my filter cartridge. the filter i have is a regent aquat tech. i just do not want to change it and then the tank loses all its bactaria and has to recycle and kill my fish> please advise thanks.

the cartridge has been in use for about 8 weeks now

 

[Honey Gourami]

hi my new aquarium finished cycling 4 weeks ago. my fish have been in the tank for 4 weeks, is it safe for me to change my filter cartridge. the filter i have is a regent aquat tech. i just do not want to change it and then the tank loses all its bactaria and has to recycle and kill my fish> please advise thanks.

the cartridge has been in use for about 8 weeks now

Don't change it just rinse all the slimy stuff off with old tank or de-clorinated water unless its really had it.
If its the kind that contains activated charcol remove these are only good if you are trying to remove meds or have run out of water conditioner.
I only change my filter material if it's falling to bits as the good bacteria reside in filter material as well as noodles/biozorb.

 

[raptorrex]

hi my new aquarium finished cycling 4 weeks ago. my fish have been in the tank for 4 weeks, is it safe for me to change my filter cartridge. the filter i have is a regent aquat tech. i just do not want to change it and then the tank loses all its bactaria and has to recycle and kill my fish> please advise thanks.

the cartridge has been in use for about 8 weeks now

Don't change it just rinse all the slimy stuff off with old tank or de-clorinated water unless its really had it.
If its the kind that contains activated charcol remove these are only good if you are trying to remove meds or have run out of water conditioner.
I only change my filter material if it's falling to bits as the good bacteria reside in filter material as well as noodles/biozorb.

yep replacing the cartridge will leave you with an uncycled tank!!!!!!!!!!!!! or at least cause a nasty mini cycle. as honey says clean it!! or if you cant, start saving for a filter with media you can!

 

[Spooky76]

As said dont throw it, if its really shot though, you can change some of it. I only ever used to change half my fluval pad when I needed to, then waited a few weeks to do the other side. If its your throughput thats going down, just rinse it, but never in tap water.