Filter change?

[slug61]

I have 2.5g minibow with filter.
Will i ever need to replace the little carbon packet filter? If so, how often.
I've had the fish and tank for almost 4 weeks now and have occasionally swished it in the old tank water. Is this enough?

[DefStatic]

Originally Posted by slug61

I have 2.5g minibow with filter.
Will i ever need to replace the little carbon packet filter? If so, how often.
I've had the fish and tank for almost 4 weeks now and have occasionally swished it in the old tank water. Is this enough?

I imagine it will need to be replaced, but I have no experience with this tank, so I am not sure how often. Did it come with a manual?

[waterdog]

carbon usually lasts 4 - 6 weeks

[slug61]

Originally Posted by DefStatic

I imagine it will need to be replaced, but I have no experience with this tank, so I am not sure how often. Did it come with a manual?

No, it didn't

[slug61]

Originally Posted by waterdog

carbon usually lasts 4 - 6 weeks

So, if it is replaced, does that mean that cycling would start over again?

[ryancalif]

There's a consensus among fish owners that carbon isn't really needed in aquariums unless you're trying to remove medication from the water.

It's best to keep your filter media as long as possible, and rinse it with some old tank water from time to time to keep the flow rate reasonable. Don't worry about the carbon.

When the time comes to replace the filter (like when it's falling apart), cut up some of the mesh or sponge material from the older filter and put it in the filter box with the new filter. Make sure the old material is touching the new filter.

[waterdog]

Originally Posted by ryancalif

There's a consensus among fish owners that carbon isn't really needed in aquariums unless you're trying to remove medication from the water.

I usually never do this, but in this case I feel I must. There is absolutely NO consensus among fish owners about carbon. The camps are, and possibly always will be, split.
Carbon does much more than simply remove medications. It also removes chloramines man puts in water as well as helps removes odors from water. Example; RO units always have a carbon filter.
Not saying either opinion is right or wrong, but let's not be definative when offering opinions.
I have always used carbon in all my tanks as I believe the benefits are worth the small expense.

[waterdog]

Originally Posted by slug61

So, if it is replaced, does that mean that cycling would start over again?

No. Carbon has nothing to do with your cycle.

[kyle89]

Originally Posted by waterdog

No. Carbon has nothing to do with your cycle.

No but the filter is where the beneficial bacteria grows at. Replacing the filter will remove a lot of bb. That's why I swoosh my filter in old tank water. When I go to replace my filter I usually cut a large piece of the old filter and put it up against the new filter. I also though about getting some ceramic filter media or sponge prices into my filter for bb to grow onto and than go into my new filter

[waterdog]

Originally Posted by kyle89

No but the filter is where the beneficial bacteria grows at. Replacing the filter will remove a lot of bb.

The filter is not the only place BB grows. Once a cycle is established it is everywhere. IMO people can become way too worried about it. You almost have to try to destroy your cycle to hurt it.

Simply changing a filter pad has never even slightly affected the cycle in any size aquarium I own, from my 100 gallon to my 5 gallon.

Cycles and filtration are a realativly easy thing that get blown way out of proportion and made harder than they really are in a lot of cases.