Changing my filter during a cycle..

[GoFishNTanks]

I am in the middle of cycling my first tank. Since Ive started cycling, back on May 29th, my filters blinked to be changed twice (which I think is weird) The first time I changed it because I had just started cycling and hadn't made any progress yet. But now it's blinking and im on the stage of nitrites dropping... I dont want to change my filter because it may ruin my cycling. But i also dont want to create additional problems from not changing it... any suggestions?
Also is it common for an Aqueon Quiet Flow 10's filter to be changed this frequent or should I be using a bigger filter? I have a 15 gallon tank. FYI. TIA!

 

[Mhamilton0911]

I don't change my filters, and I wouldn't buy one that had a light to tell me to change them. It's awfully nice of them to get consistent customers buying filters that don't really need replacing.

With that said, if you're still in the cycling phase, changing your filter is throwing away your cycle. Now if it's clogged and slowing your flow, take it out and rinse it in a bucket of tank water during a water change.

But personally, if you're close to the cycle being done, disturbing the filter right now could cause a crash and delay. I would put a piece of black tape over the light so it didn't bother me.

 

[jkkgron2]

You honestly should be fine not changing it, I usually change mine about 1-2 times a month but I have a filter that’s finicky and tends to shut down when I replace stuff so I’m going on 2 months for it until I can replace it.