bio bag filter help

rickr01

AC Members
Mar 6, 2007
24
0
0
65
I have a Tetra Whisper in tank filter with a bio bag cartridge. My young son and I am new to aquariums. We have properly cycled the tank and continually change and check the water and it seems to be in good condition. The problem is we are being told by the pet store that we should change our bio bag cartridge once a month minimum. I have read here to only rinse cartridges in aquarium water so that the tank does not go back into a mini recycle? Which is correct? If I change the bio cartridge but just rinse the second stage filter is that ok? Do any of you pros out there have this type of filter? I was told it was one of the best but now I am not so sure? (Bio Filter)
Thanks for any advice.
Rick
 
I have a whisper and do the following:
Once a week with my 35% water change I rinse the filter in a bucket of the aquarium water to remove the larger particles. I usually do this until the floss starts to fall apart, about once every 2 months. I never take the sponge out and don't really have a need to rinse it as it sits right behind the filter. I have yet to see any nitrites when I swap out for a new filter. Tou will be fine as long as you never replace the bio sponge.
 
Thats just the advice I was looking for. I was hoping the sponge portion would retain the correct bio for the tank so it would not mini cycle when the filter cartridge is changed or washed.

Thank You!
 
I never take the sponge out and don't really have a need to rinse it as it sits right behind the filter.

Mine does eventually get a bit clogged; I'll rinse/squeeze it out every few months. I just don't do the sponge and the bio bag at the same time.
 
AquariaCentral.com