pumpknmom

My 10 gal was a kit, so the filter takes those sealed, all-in-one type cartridges. So, when I change the cartridge, will I have a cycle in my tank all over again? Is there another way to "seed" the filter if you can't get at the stuff from the old filter? Hopefully I'm making sense. Thanks!

Lucy

Hi pumpkin, does it also have a sponge or biowheel?
I have both kinds. I don't use carbon, so I slit the cartridge and dump the carbon. Rinse it in tank water (Only if it's really gunky).
I replace it if it's falling apart. On one filter, I don't use the cartrides at all. I use filter floss or a sponge cut to size.

If your tank is well established, changing out the catridge (assuming you have a bio-wheel or sponge also) you shouldn't have too much of an effect on your cycle.

Many of us keep extra sponges or some sort of filter media in out filters or hidden in the tank somewhere. It comes in handy if you have to quick cycle a new tank or Q tank.

pumpknmom

Thanks for the info. My cartidges are sponge-like, attached to a plastic thing on top. I haven't had to change one yet.