The Fish Head

Hey all, I have the Tetra Whisper EX 70 ( http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=1184725 ) pump and I am needing advice about changing the filter. I have a 2 week old tank, so still in the Cycle obviously (ammonia just spiked on me, now it's down to 1.0). The pump has two carbon filters so should I change out one carbon filter (the strip isn't showing it needs to change yet) and then keep the other original filter in there so I won't lose it's bacteria? If I should do this, at what time intervals should I make these changes? Also too, if you think I should replace the original carbon filter, should I just go ahead and remove the carbon in it and replace it with filter floss or a sponge? Should I then do it for the other one also? I know most people here recommend removing the carbon. Thanks all.

fishlover78

for now during the cycle I wouldn't ever use the carbon if your tank wasn't overstocked. because the carbon is in the filter to remove toxins, and that is really the bacteria's job. so by doing this you are not giving the bacteria anything to eat, thus it is not being established. until you remove the carbon the cycle is gonna tank alot longer. Right now your working against yourself!

The Fish Head

hey, thank you for the help. Great, so should I remove the carbon and then put filter pad/bio balls/sponge/floss in instead? Is the sponge just like any sponge? Thankgs for the help!!

fishlover78

yes, I wouldn't use carbon for any reason except the following,
#1, removing meds from a tank
"2, if the tank is severely overstocked and the bacteria needs a helpful hand in removing toxins (it can't keep up with all the ammonia released by your fish)

so keep all the media except the carbon in that filter, and honestly don;t believe anything the "timestrip says" I wouldn't replace the media unless its falling apart. I believe Sirdarksol said somewhere that he;s had media in a filter for a year! (don't quote me on that!) hope this helps! -fishlover78

The Fish Head

Definitely Fishlover, thanks!! So let me make sure I got this right, slit the filter and then remove the carbon, and then what would you recommend adding, sponge/bio balls/filter media/or floss

Shawnie

I would put the filter media you have going inside the tank and just leave them sitting on the bottom or something, and start the new filter as well...id remove the carbon also as fishlover said because you want the ammonia available for the cycle ..you can always stash extra sponges after you are cycled in the filter also..in cast MTS hits LOL ...I use that 100% polyester that you stuff pillows with...very cheap for a huge bag .goodluck!!

The Fish Head

Hey Shawnie, I appreciate that very much. So do most Wal Marts have that polyester stuff you use, or do you find it in a craft store? I know what you mean, but what exactly is it called? If I can't find it, and use a sponge, just cut the new sponge to the filter and be set right? Thanks again, great advice from both of you.

fishlover78

yup

Shawnie

walmart has plenty of it

just go to the fabric section...ask for a bag of 100% polyester stuffing..you can get a huge bag for like $4 much cheaper than even the sponges...although they work well also

The Fish Head

Thanks, perfect, heading there now, you guys are the best. LOL, hopefully Allie is reading this and will see a newbie actually DOES listen to people's advice on here!!

The Fish Head

Cool, got it all set, Shawnie, how often do you change your filter?

Shawnie

very rarely...but I do have alot of that stuffing you got in the filters all the time in case I need an immediate cycled tank or I have MTS..I just grab some out and put it in the new filters...you dont need to change your media unless its totally falling apart ...when you do water changes, just take the media and rinse it in the bucket of water you take out of the tank when changing and put it right back in....

fishlover78

Shawnie has covered everything here, thanks The Fish Head fir the compliment