Amnagrla

How do you know when to change a filter?

And how do you do it? Would you put in the new one next to the old one for a few days or something??

I don't need a new one yet, but I want to know what to do when I DO need one!?

Trpimp147

i was told with a HOB every 6-7 weeks and canister like 10 weeks to replace it but you still have to clean both at least every 2 weeks

vin

I would run the new filter next to the other for a week or two. Then take the biological part of the old filter (pad or sponge, etc) and cut a piece off and put it behind the bio part of the new filter for 2-3 weeks more. That should help colonize and seed the new filter.

Butterfly

Rinse your filter media in used tank water when needed and replace only when it is tattered and worn. When replacing media put new stuff in with the old for about a week and then dispose of the old. will keep you from having a mini-cycle.
Carol

Amnagrla

How do I know when to rinse it? I was rinsing it (in tank water) every week when I did a water change. And I'm pretty sure I'm going through some sort of mini-cycle now... so I've stopped rinsing it..

Butterfly

I rinse mine about every other water change. but usually you can go until you see the water flow slow a little then you know you need to rinse it.
Carol

vin

I guess I was a little confused....BY reading your post is sounde as if you were changing your filter and not the media....

Amnagrla

No! You weren't! My initial question was how/when to change a filter. My follow-up was when to rinse a filter!

You were fine!