Filter Help

The case on my filter is really looking bad and definitely needs replacing. I have the marina i110 filter and I don't know much about the parts. There is a bag big with stones in that the instructions say I have to replace every 2-4 months so I do. There is also a plastic mesh type part that is also in the filter. Is this where to beneficial bacteria grows? Can I remove it and put it into the new filter?

 

Pictures!

 

Pictures!

They both slot into the filter and water passes in and out

 

View attachment 390168
View attachment 390169

They both slot into the filter and water passes in and out

The filter cartiledge I know for a fact grows good bacteria. I don’t know about the mesh.

 

If I were you to clean I would put the mesh and the cartridge in to the tank temporarily to keep the beneficial bacteria on them alive as anything with surface area touching water can grow Bacteria. Then I would take the filter and disconnect it and give it a good wash with a clean sponge no soap. This way you clean it out while keeping most of the bacteria alive. The thing with the balls in it is the filter cartridge and the little balls are activated carbon balls that make your tank clearer and can remove treatments from the water that you are using to heal your fish. The mesh I assume is to remove large debris from the water. One more thing. I would not change the filter cartdrige every 2-4 months but rather rinse it out in a separate bucket full of tank water to preserve the bacteria and to save money.