Changin filter cartridges...

[XSprinkleFaceX]

I've heard that you shouldn't change the filter cartridge becasue of the good bacteria that's established on it, that you should just replace the carbon or cut out the cottony thing and place it with the new filter.

BUT..gravel also contains good bacteria (right?) so if I were to change the cartridge without doing the above mentioned, would it still keep the good bacteria in the tank or no? What will happen if I just replace the old cartridge with a new one?

[Fermin]

I've only changed my filter once (when I decided to upgrade brands). I didn't want to harm my cycled tank so I cracked open the old cartridge (while still under water in the tank) to remove the old sponge, and then I crammed the old sponge in with the new sponge in the new filter setup.

[XSprinkleFaceX]

Man I wish it was that easy for me but mine uses carbon cartridges...can i just replace it with a sponge cartridge?

[Fermin]

Originally Posted by XSprinkleFaceX

Man I wish it was that easy for me but mine uses carbon cartridges...can i just replace it with a sponge cartridge?

I don't see why not. What filter (brand) are you using?

[XSprinkleFaceX]

I'm using the one that came with the Aqueon MiniBow 5.0...