Changing filter details needed!

Hey everyone... So I have a hang on back filter for a 16 gallon tank.. it is very heavily planted.. I was wondering how often you have to change the filter?? And I have heard that when you do change it you need to do it slowly for the bacteria... however if you have a lot of plants wouldnt there be enough living on the plants and gravel to avoid a cycle?? any info would be greatly appriciated
thanks

 

Unless it's really just falling apart, you shouldn't change your filter media. Just rinse it off really well.

But if you are going to change it, never change more than 1/2 at a time. And even then you'll have to closely monitor water quality.

-Chelle

 

How do you change a half a filter??? mine is this like pouch that slides into two slots... do you mean just cut it in half and kinda stack the two on top of eachother??

 

That's the problem with those pre made, all in one, filter cartridges. Personally, I just use 2 or 3 pieces of coarse sponge. I just take sheets of the sponge that's meant for pond filters and cut them into sections that will fit in my filters.

So if you wanted to go that route, I'd cut a piece of coarse sponge and try to fit both it and the cartridge in the filter. Run it like that for a few weeks to let the new sponge get seeded, then remove the cartridge. But if you have 2 cartridges, then just replace one at a time.

-Chelle

 

If it is he kind of filter that only has one media catridge, the ones with sponge(more like blue cotton) on one side and slotted plastic on the other with carbon in the center, if thats the case you have to change it when it wont rinse clean anymore and the water wont pass through it and starts coming out around the spout of your filter.

 

Well i have an aqua clear filter, and i have carbon, sponge and ammonia remover, but i always change all of em every 3 months.... is that why my water is always cloudy?

 

Probably. Every time you change your filter media, you are throwing away a huge chunk of your beneficial bacteria and essentially making the tank have to cycle all over again.

-Chelle