First Time Filter Maintenance

Hello,
I have a Tetra whisperer 10I internal power filter for my 10G aquarium. I’m a little confused about what to do exactly. Do I replace the cartridge that has old activated carbon with a brand new one, filled with 100% fresh carbon? Or do I rinse the filter cartridge and add some fresh carbon while reusing some of the old carbon ( for the purpose of keeping some good bacteria)? Or use new cartridge and 50/50 old/new carbon?
Thank you,
Anna

 

I'm not sure activated carbon holds much bacteria. Does that filter have a sort of plastic thing which is meant to harbour bacteria?

Whatever you do don't use tap water Swish it about in a bucket of water taken from the tank.

 

I'm not sure activated carbon holds much bacteria. Does that filter have a sort of plastic thing which is meant to harbour bacteria?

Whatever you do don't use tap water Swish it about in a bucket of water taken from the tank.

Yes, in addition to the cartridge it also has a plastic insert with black spongy thing

 

Yes, in addition to the cartridge it also has a plastic insert with black spongy thing

I believe that is what holds your beneficial bacteria I have a tetra whisper 60 and it has the same thing as yours. I recommend to wash the filter with tank water and put it back to get rid of the gunk. Then wait a day or two and test out the water parameters to see if their are any signs of nitrate, nitrite and ammonia.

 

I'm not sure activated carbon holds much bacteria. Does that filter have a sort of plastic thing which is meant to harbour bacteria?

Whatever you do don't use tap water Swish it about in a bucket of water taken from the tank.

Thank you Miaw for reminding me not to use tap water!

 

I personally cut the carbon out of the filter and use until it's literally falling apart.