you wanna keep the good bacteria in the filter, just wanna empty it out a bit.How often to change a fish water filter?no
it just wears outHow often to change a fish water filter?to be 100% honest it just depends on how dirty it gets. If you dont have many fish then it will last longer. The manufacturer just says bi-weekly for sales $$$$$. So just inspect it and if its not too dirty then it can last a little longer NOW im not saying never change it. or wait like 4 months. I never EVER let mine go past a month. Cleaning off a filter doesnt really work that well.How often to change a fish water filter?You don't have to if you don't want to. But you need to sooner or later.
Inside your fish filter you will find these carbon rocks.
These rocks decontaminate the water.
After a period of time the rocks become used up.
The filter then just becomes a strainer which pretty much sucks /:
If you know your in this for the long term and don't wanna keep buying these. You can buy the carbon rocks at walmart or any LFS.
They can look like this
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d
You can also find them in jars, depending on the company.
They cost about $5-8, about the price of a new filter.
This way, you can wash off your filter.
Slit a hole on the top of the filter.
Empty out the used rocks.
Put in some new rocks.
And TADAH! New filter! Its just as good.
---EDIT---
Never change the bio-filter.
It should look almost like a sponge.
If you ever have to clean it.
When you do a water change, put it into the bucket of water you've taken out and rub off the dirt inside your used water.How often to change a fish water filter?I change mine on average once a month. Sometimes I go alittle longer.How often to change a fish water filter?oh no dont clean it I like it dirty ;)How often to change a fish water filter?if it has carbon it in, replace it monthly or remove the carbon and use it as long as water flows through it easily, rinse it out weekly with your water change water, or dechlorinated water so you don't kill your bacteria.
