Today was filter cartridge cleaning day.

And I was thinking that maybe some would be interested in my method.

We use duel filters in all of our tanks. Some are UG (one with power heads one without) and HOB, others are HOB and canister. I clean the cartridges better than some would think wise. But I only clean one filter. Example I clean the HOB but not the canister. I then add BB to the HOB. I test the water the next day to be sure all is well. Then if needed in a couple of weeks I clean the canister. Now when the time comes (and I am near in two HOB) to change the cartridges for new I place the new one in the slots behind the old cartridge (I use Marineland) for several weeks. I then remove the old cartridge and add BB to the filter.

That's it. I have been doing it like this for many years.

 

I really like your method of cleaning the filters! I'm glad that it doesn't kill the cycle when you clean the filter. I don't think adding BB to the tank is necessary though. Glad it's going well for you!

 

I really like your method of cleaning the filters! I'm glad that it doesn't kill the cycle when you clean the filter. I don't think adding BB to the tank is necessary though. Glad it's going well for you!

Thank you
The added BB is a precaution because of the thoroughness of the cartridge cleaning.

 

What do you mean when you say you add BB. Do you add media from a different tank of do you add bottled bacteria? Also " BB".,, is that a pun?

 

I understood it's from a bottle but I don't know since it's not me adding it.

 

What do you mean when you say you add BB. Do you add media from a different tank of do you add bottled bacteria? Also " BB".,, is that a pun?

I understood it's from a bottle but I don't know since it's not me adding it.

I add liquid beneficial bacteria (BB) just incase I lost some during the servicing of the filter cartridges.

This is the one I use.

 

Thanks for the info. I will be using your technique!

 

I add liquid beneficial bacteria (BB) just incase I lost some during the servicing of the filter cartridges.

This is the one I use.

I used to add stability at every water change. I don't know if it helped, but it made me feel better. Maybe I'll start using it again.

 

Thanks for the info. I will be using your technique!

You are welcome.

I used to add stability at every water change. I don't know if it helped, but it made me feel better. Maybe I'll start using it again.

I am of the habit of adding it once a month (ish) if the filters do not need servicing that month,