Reusing old filter cartridges

So I am starting a new tank tonight (8/20/22) for guppies. I have gotten a 10 gallon tank and a filter system. This got me thinking about beneficial bacteria and my other tank that has my betta fish. I need to change Mt bettas filter so I placed a new cartridge drenched in aqua safe, safe start, and cleaning bacteria all by tetra in with the old cartridge. It has now been a couple of days since I have done this. And I don't want to loose beneficial bacteria that could be useful for another tank if it is safe. So I am wondering is it safe to use an old filter cartridge in my guppy tank that has beneficial Bacteria even though it is from a betta tank and is almost a year old.

My betta has been perfectly healthy this whole year from when I got her. So I don't think there is anything wrong with using the old filter I just don't know if that is safe going from one species to another.


Note: I know that is a long time to keep a filter cartridge in the tank, but I was always afraid to remove it because I had already had so many problems with my bettas and I did not want to cause a problem by removing it. The filter cartridge I used for my betta is for a 1.5 gallon tank and is an xs in the tetra filter cartridge size and the filter cartridge I would use in my guppy tank is a medium and I would put both in at one to first get the water full of the bacteria and then let the other filter get some of that too.


Question I need some help with is in bold in the first paragraph at the end.


Thanks so much
Jessie Bergland

 

Hi Jessie,

The answer is yes, you can use the old filter from your betta tank to help cycle your new one. It is safe, especially if your betta(s) are in good health. Fish keepers do it all of the time. Many people will put extra filter material and sponges into current tanks in order to have the material on hand if needed for a new tank or hospital tank.

Concerning filter cartridges, I never change them unless they are just completely falling a part. The companies that make them will say to change them out every month, but if you do that, you are throwing out your good beneficial bacteria. I only have hang on back filters, and I always just stuff them as much as I can with the cartridge and cut to fit filter pieces, polishing pads, or whatever I have laying around.

Hope this helps!!!

 

So I am wondering is it safe to use an old filter cartridge in my guppy tank that has beneficial Bacteria even though it is from a betta tank and is almost a year old.

Yes this is ok. Just remember there is one fish in the betta tank. Add guppies slowly so the bacteria can catch up.

So the problem is now your betta loses his bacteria. A new cartridge will reset your filter every time you change it. This is where most of your bacteria is. It may be ok because of the entire tank bacteria load, but it could still spike on you.

Your new cartridge wont get enough bacteria established in a few days with some stuff dumped on it. It doesnt work that fast.

I personally would leave the old filter in the betta tank and either let the new filter seed for about 3-4 weeks or start a fishless cycle for the new tank.

You have TSS use that and follow the directions to the T and get your guppies. Put your new filter in there and see what happens.
Get some sponges and biomedia and ditch the cartridges for good.
Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Aquarium Filter Forum | 385506

 

I'd just strip the fabric from the old cartridge and put it in the filter reservoir along with the new filter. Maybe split it between the two filters. At some point in the future you might want to switch away from cartridges to a reusable sponge. Then all you have to do is rinse it out periodically and not lose your bacteria.

 

I agree with the replies above. Also, like replacing the cartridges when they don't need it, adding all those products you mentioned when you do replace them is pretty much only good for making the company more money.