How often do I have to change my filter cartridges?

Answer 1

Every two weeks.

Answer 2

That really depends on what kind of filter you have. If your filter cartridge has carbon in it, it will need change every month. Carbon is the chemical portion of your filtering system, which removes the smell from the water. And, carbon is porous. The pores will get clogged with bacteria, which stops the filtering action.
There are many new types of filters that allow you to change the chemical portion of your system without harming your biofiltration.

Answer 3

It depends on how much you value carbon filtration. Change them every week or two depending on bio load if the carbon is important to you. Lab testing has shown that in the typical tank only about 30% of the bacteria is found in the filter material and the majority of that is in the fiber bag. So keep the bag and refill it with fresh carbon as often as once a week is a good compromise.

MM

Answer 4

It depends on what kind of filter you have and how many different ones are in your actually filter machine.

Sure you can rinse the foamy stuff - but if the foamy stuff has carbon in it (blank little rocks) the carbon goes bad after about a month or so. So you really should be changing it rather then being cheap.

Tipically it's once a month.

Answer 5

You should only change them when they're falling to pieces, which could be one every three months, once every six months, once a year.... filters hold the beneficial bacteria and the more often you chuck them out, the more often you have to start all over again making that good bacteria. Just a good rinsing in the old water that was removed during the water change is all you need.

Answer 6

You should only change it when it is either falling apart or even after rinsing it (in used tank water only) it still doesn't get clean. I have some that are more then a year old and work perfectly fine.

The majority of your beneficial bacteria (which keep the water safe for your fish) live in the filter and on the cartridges, so if you replace them all the time all you are doing is throwing them all out. Filter companies will tell you to change them at least once a month but of course they will tell you that, they want your money.

Answer 7

you should change it once a month, however that depends on the bio load. Some fish are more waste producers, than others. I will rinse mine out every water change, but I don't change the filter. Usually every two months, but I do not have overloaded tanks.

It just depends on how many fish and the waste load they produce. If your filter is getting plugged up every week, even if you rinse out the filter, you may have to change it more often. You can also add a prefilter which will extend the life of your regular filters. They just get washed well every time you do a water change. This pad will save you $$ on having to replace filters so often.

Answer 8

Honestly you shouldn't ever change them. I only get a fresh one when I've just finished medicating the tank. Active carbon really only functions for about 2-4 days. Mainly active carbon absorbs things that make your water discolored or stinky, but not much else. Replacing or cleaning the cartridge is often bad as they house colonies of ammonia/nitrite eating bacteria.

Answer 9

I'll have to agree with the "WHEN THEY ARE RATTY" answers. Just wash them in used tank water. Ones with carbon are no different. You really dont need carbon in any tank, unless you dont do weekly water changes or need to remove meds(meds are never needed in a well maintained tank). Alot of people have the belief that Benifical Bacteria(BB) is in the water and filter media(true with canisters and wet/dry). There is basically no BB in old water and not much in standard HOB filters(25%or so). Most the BB in a ESTABLISHED tank is in the gravel/on deco/on glass. Dont worry about over vaccuming your gravel either(not new tank). BB is basically "glued" on to everything in the tank. Just not worth the $$ to spend on filter media when water is cheap, and water changes are the best thing you can do for your aqua buddies.

Answer 10

If they're the type with charcoal inside, then you rinse them in tank water to get the gunk off every week & replace them about every 4 weeks. You can rinse them anytime they get clogged. After about 4 weeks the carbon inside looses its ability to absorb toxins and smells from the water, and may actually start to release some back into the water.

Answer 11

at first i've got faith we've specific guts to our aqua sparkling filters :O) mine has 2 parts in the clear out basket ... I rinse one in siphoned off tank water as quickly as a week and right here week i rinse the different ... i've got had this aqua sparkling for very nearly 8 months and that i've got no longer ever changed any of the media ... changing each water replace is inaccurate, you would be throwing out the functional bacteria (that's why you need to leading rinse one each and each water replace) ...