i always change my filter cartridge out,some say to just rinse out,which is better?

Question

also i wanted to know if i breed my red devil will he eat babies,or will he kill mother after spawning or will they be o.k. together after spawning..65 gallon tank,,also where can i get a or 9 in. female red devil can i order one online

Answer 1

You change a carbon filter because it becomes inactive. If it's your sponge filter? I just swish and rinse in the tank water when I do a water change. That way all the good nitrifying bacteria are still in it (no chlorinated water). They're actually good until they start falling apart.
As for breeding:
The Red Devil is an open spawner with a patriarch-matriarch family. Typical open spawners, they prefer to spawn on inclined substrates. The spawn is usually around 600-700 eggs which are a transparent, amber-yellow color. The female takes care of the initial brood. At 25 deg. C the larvae hatch after about 3 days. After another 5-7 days they become free swimming. They can be nourished with Artemia nauplii. At 2-3 weeks old the young will also graze on their parents skin for additional food.
If you're looking to order a large female, I'd try aquabid.com .

Answer 2

I use the cartridges that open at the top so that I can replace the carbon but keep the fiber sleeve. Best of both worlds that way.

As for the devils, once a male and female form a pair they will protect the eggs and fry from other fish. Keep your eye open on aquabid and also let your local shop owner know you are looking for one. He probably can't get one that big from a wholesaler, but he would know to take one in on trade if he knows you want it.

MM

Answer 3

if you want to waste your money than just buy a new one but buying a new one is also better. although u can rinse it for about a month and then change it like i do. i rinse the cartridge once a week and in one month i replace it