Switching Out Filter Cartridges

I have a filter cartridge in my aqueon 10 hob filter (the one that comes in the 10 gal kit) and I think I will need to change it soon. I've had it in there a while and its just time to change it. I know it has a lot of bacteria in it and i'm supposed to seed the next one but I don't know how to do that because a second cartridge won't fit in the filter. There is a second filter element sponge in there that must have a lot in it, as well as all the gravel and ornaments etc so will there be enough to bacteria to just change the filter or is there some better way to seed the new one? Thanks.

 

Put the old one right in the tank for a few weeks while the new one seeds.

 

Cut the cartridge fabric off the old one and place it over the new one for two weeks.

 

Alternatively you can cut open the old one, dump out the old carbon, and swish clean the old cartridge in tank water....

 

I have the same filter. You can get a Fluval C4 foam pad and squeeze it in the filter cartridge holder once you have removed the floss from the blue holder. You can cut the old filter open to get the old carbon out and add the filter floss into the filter to seed the new foam pad.

The foam pad will last for a very long time, no need to buy the expensive refills.

 

Another reason I want to change it is because there seems to have been some sort of disease as well as ich that killed off my new ember tetras. I have ruled out all other possibilities like water quality from another forum feed and now I think I bought them with some sort of disease. Would it still make sense to seed with the old filter media then? I just want to get it out of my tank and be able to start with some healthy fish.

 

I take the old, seeded pad and stick it behind the new one in the filter slot for a couple of weeks and dose Stability.

 

I would do that idea but there just isn't room. I think I will cut the floss off the old and place it in there as previously mentioned. I'll also look into the stability. Should I take the carbon out of the new filter if I dose meds then? I already have the replacement cartridges because they were pretty cheap on amazon for 6 of them and I figured that would last a long time.