Two part filter question.?

Question

1. The instructions on my filter says that I should replace the filter cartridge every four weeks. I thought bacteria were supposed to develope in the filter so how can they if I replace the cartridge monthly?
2. The other day I fished something out the aquarium with my hand. Just then I realized that I had just washed them with anti-bacterial soap. Can this act kill off the bacteria I am trying to grow?

Answer 1

1. The instructions say to replace the cartridge every 4 weeks because the carbon is unable to adsorb any more stuff by that time. Filters that have two replaceable cartridges are good because you can replace one and leave the old one in. If your filter only has one pad, then usually there is enough bacteria in the filter, plants, decorations, gravel, etc. to prevent any fluctuations. Be careful with feeding right after replacing it. You can also rinse the filter and reuse it, there just won't be any activated carbon left. You will want to stay on top of water changes if you decide to reuse your filters though.

2. The anti-bacterial soap has been recently debated over it's effectiveness. As long as the soap was completely rinsed from your hands, there is nothing to worry about. At this point there are people claiming that it doesn't even kill bacteria on hands, so I wouldn't be too concerned for your biological filter. Medications on the other hand can wipe out your entire bio-filter, so be aware of this. Carbon will adsorb the chemicals, so you would want to remove the filter anyway.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Answer 2

Do you have gravel on your tank? Your gravel additionally will carry the micro organism for you. the recent clear out cartridge will refill with the friendly micro organism rapidly once you alter it. Many filters have extra effective little sponges or wheels that still capture the micro organism. yet another ingredient you're able to do, is rinse the cartridge out with dechlorinated water, or some tank water which you syphoned off on your prevalent water replace. that may not kill the micro organism like faucet water will. The clear out cartridges would be rinsed off and used a number of circumstances, however the companies do no longer inform you that. you somewhat ought to'nt would desire to complication approximately it, however, in the adventure that your tank is somewhat commonplace (some months up and dealing). So rinse the filters out for the 1st couple of months, then it would possibly no longer count. as some distance with the aid of fact the antibacterial cleansing soap, i'm assuming you washed it off your hands once you used it...it would take extra effective than that to kill the micro organism. it would be positive. in case you're uncertain, do a 25% water replace.

Answer 3

What kind of filter do you have,mine all have biological filter pads that you never change just rinse in tank water now and then and ones you can change that contain carbon.If yours just has one you can rinse it in tank water and just change it now and then,I don't change mine that often and in my opinion carbon doesn't do much anyway.