CatladyDane

I keep reading that the majority of good bacteria reside in the filter media. Yet the instructions on the packages say to change the filter every 3-4 or 2-4 weeks. This makes sense for the Penguin, as it has the bio-wheel which will retain plenty of good bacteria, so I'm just changing the part of the filter that catches all the "crud & grime". The Top Fin 10 doesn't have a bio-wheel. I haven't noticed any problems when I change that filter monthly; I rinse it in "dirty" fish water before installing when I do a partial water change and I don't clean inside the filter box itself. I try not to over clean either tank and I do use Prime. Is changing filters really such a big issue or is it just one of those things that different people have different opinions and the fish don't really care unless you do something drastic? How would one change a filter such as the Top Fin without removing too much bacteria thereby causing a mini cycle?

Shawnie

I dont change out my filter media unless its totally falling apart...I do rinse it as you do, which is fine as long as its not often...I always know in the back of my head that its getting close to needing a new one, so a cple weeks prior, im already seeding a new one so the switch wont be putting me into a mini cycle..I just lay the new one either in the filter area, or let it rest down by the rocks or somewhere in the tank to seed it

I think the manufacturer wants you to buy their products, hence the frequent changes...I have one filter thats been in my tank for almost 9 months..and its still going strong theres my opinion

capekate

I hardly ever rinse out my filter media. I have not bought any new filter sponges and changed them either. I do have extra sponges in some of the filters tho, for the time I either need to set up a new tank, or have to dispose of a filter for some reason. I have had my filter media for over a year. It is not breaking down to the point that I need new inserts. It seems that every time I do rinse them in tank water during a water change, I always put myself into a mini cycle. Now I try not to rinse them at all. For the inserts in my one Top Fin filter, I cut out the charcoal, and added a small sponge that is made for the aqua clear mini.
I think that it seems to be a very varied decision here among members to decide how often to change or replace the filter media.As I guess it also depends on the tank conditions, how many fish etc etc.

COBettaCouple

I never change the filter media, just swish it around in removed tank water weekly with the water change & cleaning.