Red wag platy

How often should I change my filter cartridge?

Halibut

What does the MFG say? From what Ive seen most of the MFG's will say 2-4 weeks depending on maker and what you have stocked.

susitna-flower

I NEVER CHANGE a cartridge! UNLESS it is falling apart in rags!

If you are talking about the "bag" in the back of a HOB filter, just rinse it out in discarded tank water. You shouldn't be using carbon in your filter, so that is something you can throw out if you are cleaning your filter......I put floss back in mine. Then if you have used medications, put carbon back in for 24 hours then discard it again.

You loose all your good bacteria if you "change" a filter out.

I am all for keeping a clean tank, but I don't buy into the advertisement of the filter maker, or the store owner that tells you that you HAVE to use JUST their supplies the way they tell you to.....their motivation is making $$$ from you. Use your best judgment and you will be $$$ ahead!

COBettaCouple

I buy this:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...31&c=3578+4150
and cut it to fit the filters. It saves money over cartridges and is very durable so it lasts a while.

I just swish the media around in some removed tank water to clean off any big bits and put it back, once a week when I do the tank cleaning and weekly water change.

Red wag platy

Why shouldn't you use carbon?

Lucy

When carbon expires, it can release toxins into the tank.

COBettaCouple

Lucy is right. Most carbon gives out in about a week and dumps everything it collected into the tank all at once. We do keep some good carbon (Marineland brand) that we can use to clear meds when needed.