How often do I need to change the filter cartridges?

I have a 29 gallon freshwater tank with 6 green tiger barbs, 2 platyes and 1 dwarf gourami. My filter is a biowheel for a tank up to 50 gallons. I have a couple questions. 1)How often do I need to change the cartridges? 2) There is a slot to put in an extra cartridge so you can use two at once. Is this really necessary? Will I have to change the cartridges if I do this? Will my water really be cleaner if I use two?How often do I need to change the filter cartridges?Your 29 gal. tank carries a low bioload (you haven't crowded it with a lot of fish) so you won't need a double-filter media (one should be sufficient). Change the filter media (the fluffy bag usually with carbon bits inside) when it starts to look cloggy and dirty (this will depend on how badly the particle mass may get in your tank). I generally like to change the carbon (and if the bag is sealed, you'll probably have to do the whole bag) at least once a month to keep the carbon fresh and working. The carbon deodorizes (removes the smell) the water but if the carbon becomes old and overwhelmed, it stops working. The filter media basically just removes the particals, not the ammonia and nitrite and nitrates. You should not have to clean or change your biowheel ever unless you forget to remove it if you ever have to medicate the tank--the biowheel will be one of your major sources of good bacteria (if the wheel should start looking slimey and clogged, just rinse it quickly under clean running (not hot, not real cold) water to remove the clog). 2 cartridges will only do more particle removal (and since your tank should not be making too much dirt, 2 would be overkill). 1 cartridge ought to keep your water looking clean and clear, but you'll still need to do routine gravel cleanings and water changes to keep the ammonia/nitrite level at zero (a filter does not do that).How often do I need to change the filter cartridges?You never need to change the filter cartridge, ever. Unless it's falling apart.

All your good bacteria live on your filter cartridge. Throwing it away will totally mess up the balance on your tank. If it starts falling apart, then yeah you'll have to chuck it, but if it's just gunky, just swish it around in a bucket of tank water and put it back.



No, the extra cartridge is not necessary, but it will increase the amount of bacterial and sponge so it will keep your water cleaner. I had the same filter I believe you're refering to and I never used an extra cartridge and it worked fine.How often do I need to change the filter cartridges?I would use the extra slot for when your current filter cartridge gets too old and worn. Put your new cartidge in front of the old one, so the bacteria can inhabit the new one. Next time you change your water and rinse out the cartridges, you can toss the old one. This way replacing the old cartridge never ruins your level of beneficial bacteria.



Your cartridge does NOT need to be REPLACED every month. It needs to be RINSED in DECHLORINATED water every month. This will get rid of the detritus that other answerer is concerned about. Tossing the cartridge tosses the bacteria as well and destroys your nitrogen cycle.How often do I need to change the filter cartridges?Agreed. Never, unless its falling apart. It is important to only clean it in used tank water or new dechlorinated water because chlorine would kill the bacteria. No running it under the faucet.How often do I need to change the filter cartridges?1.You do need to changed your filter cartridges every month. The cartridge catches all the poop and missed food in your tank and helps keep your tank clean. If you do not change your cartridges your water will start to become cloudy and unhealthy for your fish.



2.You should also do a 25% water change once a month as well. What you want to do is get a gravel vacuum from your local pet store so you can clean all the poop and gunk out of the gravel. Do not forget to add water conditioner to the water you add back into the tank.



3.That is not an extra slot. It is a slot for another cartridge to go into. You want to put the other cartridge in there as it will help keep your tank cleaner.



I hope I helped and if you have any more questions just ask.

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