Changing old filter media for new

This is a question that I can't seem find an answer to anywhere.

When filter media becomes too old and needs changing how does everyone go about it?

My method is that I usually pop the new media into the tank for about a week before to just sit there at the bottom hopefully collecting bacteria & then when the time comes I squeeze some of the gunk out of the old media over the new one & the pop it in.

I would love to hear about your methods

Is this a good way to do it or is it okay to just swap the new one straight over ?

 

I use filter cartridges. I rarely change them out. All I do is rinse them with water from a water change

 

I don't use filter media, so I can't help you there.

 

I don't use filter media, so I can't help you there.

Sponge filters?

Cut old filter pad off of the cartridge and place In front of new cartridge. All my filters I use sponges. Not a fan of cartridges.

 

If your filter can accommodate it ( what type do you have? ) you can place a new media over/on top of the old one and leave the 2 together for about a month. After the month or so, you can take out the old and put in another one over it.

I have 2 hob filters running on my tank with 4 slots so I usually have 4 pads total plus I am able to put in a sponge and biomax in both of the filters in the corner.

 

I have sponge filters get another sponge filter and keep it in there with the old one for about 3 weeks and then you can take the old one out.

 

Cartridges are okay, I suggest purchasing a job that has space for two cartridges then buy a few extra ones that will fit your filter. Then every couple of months or so you can take one out and replace it with a clean one and rinse of the old one and keep it(it'll still be fine to use for a couple more times). Then replace the other one after a couple more months and so on. This way you don't completely eliminate your beneficial bacteria colonies that live in your filter. As far as a canister filter you can do the same general thing, just replace some of the mechanical filtration every months for some new filtration as you do Maintenance on your filter.

 

I meant filter not job

 

Cool - many thanks peeps