Why an Aquarium Filter Cartridge Replacement Is Killing Your Fish

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Do you use filter cartridges? If not, what filter media have you had the most success with???

[@jimmelay71]

I used to rinse the filter cartridges in tank water and reinstall. I'm sure after a couple of months the carbon was dead but I could get a couple of years out of a cartridge.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I have always heard (never tested) that the carbon will eventually leak the contaminates it had pulled out if the water back into the tank if it isn't replaced on a regular basis. If it wasnt for the carbon in them, I think filter cartridges wouldn't get such a bad wrap!

[@Shwee113]

SnakeDiscovery has several aquariums and a special filtration system for their alligator and snapping turtle. I don't remember all of the details but they use polyfill from the craft store and those bio balls. I may have gotten that last name wrong.

[@astronaut2853]

i have a betta in a nice size tank so when i do water changes, i put my betta in a smaller tank with the water from his normal tank in it, and when i’m done the water change, i use that old water to rinse the cartridge and then i put it back in, and i put my betta back in his nice tank :)

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

That is a really good way to do water changes and clean your filter media!!! Keep up the good work!

[@michaelc4866]

I'm glad I'm learning this now, 10 days after I transferred my betta to a 10 gallon fish tank from the small bowl. He's very happy in the much deserved tank so far.

[@waterintowhine]

I rinse my new cartridges in tank water and only change them about once every 3 months. I also keep a little scrubber sponge in the filter that doesn't get swapped out only rinsed in tank water when it absolutely needs it and never at the same time the cartridge is swapped. I do 20% water changes every week and have a lot of live plants, but I still play it cautious and under stock. I never have ammonia spikes and the health of my aquarium is one of the things I'm most proud of. I've had tons of people comment how they can't believe I have the same fish for so long. It's sad that so many people that keep fish get into it without research and just assume it's normal for a fish to live 2 weeks. Thank you for doing all you can to educate about proper aquatic husbandry! :D

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

That is definitely one way to do it! Sounds like you understand what you are doing though! Ever though about investing in some different media?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

@Sean Wall Yea buddy. But dont just put the cartridge down in the tank. Pull the water out in a bucket or bag and clean it that way. if you clean it in the tank it will make a mess haha

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks dude! I am just trying to get videos out there that can help people in any way possible! if someone has a bad experience they may never give the hobby a chance, and if they have a good experience they will get pumped and get even more into it. if you have any questions at all along the way you can always send the Otter Creek Aquatics Facebook page a message or send me an email [e-mail]. Keep in touch, buddy!

[@Sprkymx]

Uhh ur talking about the same sponge you'd use to clean things also i only have a single filter with a cartridge should i just add the sponge in front of it or what should i do pls help and thanks 👍

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

No, it's actually sponge for aquarium filters. the best ones you'd get in fluval filters. Do you just rinse your cartridge out now? or replace them

[@mbastos1000]

I follow other fish keepers, but your Chanel is by far the most informative and straight to the point so far! Thanks! Great Job!

[@cheanshaojie4869]

Was buying a tank off craigslist that came with an internal filter(replacement cartridge) and decided to replace it with a better filter system thanks to your video. Thumbs up

[@FancyTailAquatics]

Preach it, brother! Spot on and could not have said it better! That is why I leave empty sponges/filters in tanks as backups.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I do that too! always taking safety measures!!!

[@neilmartin99]

The bulk of your bacteria lives within the substrate and on plants or any solid surface within the tank.

[@dalisif3626]

this video is a life saver, im doing so much research before i get my betta and this one explains filters so well esp for a beginner :) thank you so much!

[@rachelynn3079]

OMG I am SO happy I found your video! I have the same Fluval 50 and just started my tank 2 months ago. I have been looking for directions on media changes all day and all I could find was Fluval branded videos which state to do this monthly. Now this makes so much sense. Now I know why my nitrate cycle has been so slow, because I've changed the media twice now. Thank you!!

[@Allan-et5ig]

Great video. Why not just take the filter and put it IN the tank. While the new 'virgin' filter begins to work and amass bacteria, keep the old filter in the tank. When the 'virgin' is primed with live bacteria, take the old one out of tank and toss; OR use to start a new tank's bacteria?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Yup that's exactly what you should do!

[@makenzieroettger5087]

by filter do you mean cartridge? I just got a topfin silenstream a week ago and it uses cartridges. I’d prefer not to start over, so would it be okay If i kept my old cartridge inside the tank if I did need to get a new one?

[@boobing88]

How long does it take a new virgin filter cartridge to amass new bacteria,so that I can toss the old one?

[@almasherrod8757]

Great! Wonderful Video! I was hoping to see question and answer! Struck Gold! 👍​@OtterCreekAquatics

[@almasherrod8757]

Question? How long does it take a virgin carbon filter to gain the beneficial bacteria to be safe to throw the old filter you kept out?🤔 Thanks. Your Awesome. 😊

[@naturewalkswithbelindaann2503]

This helps so much. The lady that runs the pet store told me years ago to change my filter every month. Just last week she told me not to throw it away just take it to the sink and rinse it. Thanks so much. I do use filters but I'm going to change to the other things that you shared

[@SuperWaterAquatics]

Under gravel filter and aqua clear 30 on my planted 20 gallon. Aquaponics and DIY bottle filters on my 29 gallon planted tank. DIY sponge filter on my 3 gallon planted bowl aquarium. Great video. 👍

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I love undergravel filters although I'm currently not running any. Those DIY aquaponics bottle filters sound interesting!!!

[@AquariumThoughts]

@@OtterCreekAquatics time for you to fashion some diy undergravel filters 😉

[@garylcarrier]

Excellent & very informative video! Well presented. I’m using your video in Homeschooling for a 14 year old boy. You explained the tank cycling so he can more easily understand the process. You’ve gained a new subscriber. Thanks again.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Wow! That's so amazing...thanks for leaving this comment.

[@awesomecreator1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I watched--I don't know how many--videos and still could not comprehend how the nitrogen cycle process worked, but you just broke it down in a way that my scientifically-challenged brain could understand! You also answered my question (in one of the comments from another poster) about how to transition my old filter cartridge to the sponge and bio rings. Boy, do I feel a lot better about not killing my poor fish! SUBSCRIBED!

[@timrussell89]

I've been stumbling on this kind of video a lot lately. The video was extremely well put together and very informative. I think when people use cartridges it is mostly for a convenience and theres nothing wrong with that imo. If the tank is setup properly you shouldn't lose your cycle. It is easy to change out a cartridge and the easier a filter is to maintain the more likely someone is to actually do it. I'd say if someone is using cartridges to make sure to have something whether it be the plastic bio grid or something else on the down flow side of the cartridge to maintain the cycle and grow beneficial bacteria and they should be fine. Good job explaining everything! New sub here

[@ellees3521]

PLEASE HELP - Thank you so much for this video! I'm going to buy an aquaclear 30 Gallon tomorrow, hwvr, I just tried polyfiber sheets and biomax balls in my filter today and one of my fish almost died! So I switched back to a new cartridge I had ... is it possible I didn't rinse the biomax balls enough? I even took them out and rinsed them longer and put fresh water in... the fish was still dying, that's when I put the cartridges in and did more water change to get rid of any biomax residue. Fish are good now I think... I have blackmoor goldfish. Wanting to transition to poly fiber and substrate but don't want to risk killing fish again 😞

[@ellees3521]

Posting this to you as well as you seem like you know fish tanks and perhaps an individual will answer rather then a general comment 🙏👋🏻

[@funfishology5429]

Such an educational video! Nice job. I think when I got into fish keeping the nitrogen cycle was one of the more difficult things for me to learn and was what most surprised me

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you!!! And I agree, I didn't realize there was so much that went into keeping fish. I think that's what hooked me the most!

[@DEXTER-TV-series]

All of these pumps are good to flow the water. But for biological "filtration", a lot of substrate (for example, lava) must be laid without any cleaning.

[@CaCa-cu3ny]

Thank you for sharing this tip. Right before watching your video, I rinsed my filter cartridge under ice cold tap water. I assumed that I might kill all the beneficial bacteria. So then I added double dosages of Stress Zyme to the tank.

[@skinnyslims5327]

Very sound advice. Great video bro 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@elektrofry]

Bro is speaking facts. I have used aquaclear and tidal HOBs. Problem I have with aquaclears is they don't self prime like tidals do. When you have alot of tanks, it becomes a big pain when you live in the country where power is intermittent at times. I only run HOBs in the tanks i have in the bedroom now. Sponge filters in the fish room. I like HOBs because they don't take up alot of real estate in your tank so planted tanks are real nice looking with one. The other drawback to the tidal 35 is it doesn't have a down tube which prevents the ability to put a pre-filter on to protect small fry and shrimp. I don't use that HOB anymore.

[@wendygiddens2757]

Exactly what I needed to know! Thank you! First video to answer ALL of my questions!

[@hannahcarnes1669]

Omg this was so helpful! I had an ammonia spike in my axolotl tank after changing the filter. Now I know the reason! Cannot thank you enough!

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I'm glad you were able to find the video and pin point what caused it! I hope your axolotl is ok!!!

[@joefeltz8360]

Thanks for making this so easy to understand. Really helped me.

[@kelvynabreu]

I hope you keep doing these videos. I love the info.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you!

[@rubypattersonkikme5064]

best explanation ever, I have been struggling with my filtration system and loosing fish. thanks you for your great help!

[@raghulb290]

why.. just why didnt i notice this video a year back... so many lives

[@condorX2]

Same. I feel we're all born ignorance, until we meet someone who pass their knowledge down to us. Cheers Lucifer xD

[@Poppapat4646]

Very informative thank you. I am definitely going to switch over my only question is if I was to put a brand new cartridge in now but I have also a sponge filter going as additional filtration. I should be able to just change the cartridge in my hanging back filter because the beneficial bacteria is still on my sponge filter, correct?

[@gen9184]

This is so helpful! But if I were to switch filters, how do I prep the new media?? Can I just let it sit in the current filter for a few weeks until bacteria is able to colonize?

[@marilize92]

Such an amazing video! I however only have a 6 gallon tank and a small filter. Can I still do this? Trim and adjust size and stuff my little filter?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Yes you can!!!

[@marilize92]

@@OtterCreekAquatics Thank you!!

[@AquariumThoughts]

Nice tips for those who run hob filters with "replaceable' filter media. I don't use Hob filters at all myself, though I might pick one up for particle removal when needed. Currently I use 2 diy undergravel filters and a huge box filter on my 80g and the rest of my tanks have sponge filters. Except my main tank had a diy in tank "sump" to go along with the sponge.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I'm definitely going to set up some undergravel filters when I set up my next rack! What exactly are you going to use the HOB for?

[@AquariumThoughts]

@@OtterCreekAquatics to remove mulm when it builds up too much

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I welcome mulm...in small amounts that is! haha

[@nicoledienes7440]

hello 👋 thank you for the great video. So I have 1 question for you. I'm going to be converting my filters over to this setup . How often would I need to clean the sponges and bio rings Once they have been setup ? Thank you and very appreciative of a response.

[@SamuelDelBuono-fr3oy]

Good vlog! You stressed the fact about not using tap water very clearly.

[@wadhood]

Very good and clear explanation. Thank you

[@erismarriott5875]

This was so informative-thank you!!

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

Good job Otter Creek Aquatics. I always hot rod my HOB and box filters. Great information for everyone.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks buddy! This is definitely a video I wish I had when I started in the hobby!

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

@@OtterCreekAquatics for sure!

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

@@CaylorsReptilesAquatics That's honestly all I'm trying to do. Think of mistakes I've made so hopefully I can help someone else

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

@@OtterCreekAquatics it's a great approach and one we needed for some time! You should get plants today. Hope they traveled ok, they were nice specimens.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I just got them, gotta get some sleep so I can wake up and make a little video for you!

[@jillking23]

This is the BEST explanation break down of Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates. Thank you!! I’m not a newbie to the Aquarium at all but didn’t get into all that stuff when having my Aquariums. Didn’t understand it all and did the best I could. I have one fancy Goldie in a 29 gal tank now and I love gold fish and want to do right by them. It’s a new cycled tank and plan on getting one more but not just yet. I’m in no hurry and want to do this right. What I would like to know is, when do I change my poly floss in my filter box? I’m assuming being that it is a new set up I should wait a good while? My filter box right now is filled with floss then a bag of lava rocks and I also have a few loose lava rocks in my in take space. I know how to clean evy thing using my tank water but when should I change the poly floss? I feel like it’s way to early yet..Ty so much! 😊

[@learningtofishkeep665]

Great video bro! Great info for anyone that uses cartridges/ hang on back filters. I hot rod my hang on back filters with loads of media and an intake sponge. I throw away the cartridges.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks bro! What brand of HOB do you use?

[@learningtofishkeep665]

Otter Creek Aquatics I have a marine land bio wheel, fluval 50, aqueon quiet flow and a small nano one

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Dang! Mixing it up I see! which Is your favorite?

[@learningtofishkeep665]

Otter Creek Aquatics yea I wanted to be able to say I’ve tried them. I like all of them for different reasons. The marine land bio wheel I like because of the bio wheel part that gives it some extra filtration, the fluval I like because of how much space you have that you can put filter media inside and I like the better adjustable flow rate. The aqueon the only reason I like it is it is the only one to have an auto start after it is unplugged or power outage but it doesn’t have an adjustable flow rate. So hard to say which is my favorite. I wish I could make one that had all that in one lol

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I agree with everything you said. I have all 3 filters too. Had a power outage not long ago when I was at work and I was trying to tell my fiance how to start the bio wheel and aqua clear over the phone. It didn't go over too well hahaha

[@traybaybay]

does this apply to freshwater tanks too? also, is there a way to test the ammonium/ good bacteria ratio? i’m a new aquarium keeper and was just about to buy a replacement for my tetra filter but now will checkout aqua clear and maybe keep that one in there during the transition? lastly, -curious to know the reasons you don’t like that filter too you mentioned lol. thank you!

[@leroy3303]

I was messing around with the hate I love your channel thanks for being positive towards hate.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

You gotta be, I don't care if anyone hates honestly, I'm gonna keep doing what I love.

[@mariapapademetri9297]

Ottter Creek Aquatics I just bought a 45 gallon tank used with 13 fish, one is a pleco and the rest goldfish and a 4 of tropical fish. I have left the old filter in with the new water and ornaments for beneficial bacteria that everyone is talking about. The temp is set to 78 because of the 5 other fish. However the old filter is black , can I go ahead and replace it only after one week since it is so dirty ??? Should I also leave the heater in at 78 degrees ? One fish store told me to only feed the fish every other day which I think is cruel since they have been fed twice a day before that ?

[@HaYNFishKeeper]

Awesome video braddah I love me some Aqua Clears too nice set up!! 🤙🏽🐠🤙🏽

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks Mel! I love the aqua clears but hate how they don't start automatically. It has almost got me in trouble a couple times

[@brianabrown6706]

I have an Aqueon Quietflow 20 that I’ve been using on a 20 gal for 2 months. I read a lot about not changing the filter cartridge at all unless it’s physically falling apart, but everything I’ve seen lately suggests this allows for the buildup of dead organic matter/plants (which would increase my nitrates?). Just did a master test run and my nitrates are high, so I’m guessing this is why. Since I have a box of cartridges, I’d like to use them. Would it be safe to change the cartridge to a new one if I left the used one in the tank for a week or so? And continue to switch them in and out this way until I run out and can change to a setup like this one? TIA!

[@thatguyuk1]

Mind Blown, we only have a 28 litre tank and some mollies, everything you said to not do, i did. Was just about to change filters, but will think better of it

[@cindywood2089]

I have a tetra whisper 20 hang on the back filter. I just put floss in and got rid of my bio bag that came with it that has the charcoal in it. I did cut the front floss material off and kept that in my filter so as to not lose some good bacteria. My question is, I have a fine mesh bag of Purigen next to the floss. I bought a bag of ceramic rings but they are really big. Wondering where you got yours? Can I put that in there along with the bag of purigen or do they both do the same thing? If I can't, can I put the bag of ceramic rings just in the bottom of my aquarium or hang it on the side?

[@julietorres6339]

GREAT INFO!!!! Thanks so much. Going to go buy some bio rings ASAP!

[@heidibee501]

I was about to change the dual filter on the turtle tank and was surprised when it said only change one filter. Now l understand. It helps to understand the science. I hope this applies to a turtle tank as well as l am (long term) babysitting my granddaughters turtles.

[@markkempen2316]

Interesting video, thanks. If my filter assembly comes with two of the filter cartridges you dislike, why can't I just stagger and replace one and leave one with beneficial bacteria each time? and why do you recommend not using carbon?

[@angelo8862]

If you have two medias. Should you just clean/change one at a time?

[@emfriesen6719]

Hey man, thanks for the video! What do you suggest doing when a filter you bought second hand craps out on a tank that’s not yet established? (Running for 3 days, used Complete Smart Start). I put some old media from an established tank in with the new media to start, but the filter (Tetra Whisper) is leaking and needs to be replaced. I happened to buy an Aqua Clear 50 just earlier today, so it’s cool that is what you showed in this video:):) I don’t want to start the cycle allll over again.. so... should I put the cartridge from the whisper in with the aqua clear? Maybe instead of the carbon? I’m still extremely new at this and am easily confused lol. I would appreciate your advice so very much.

[@Elephant11]

Just changed up my filtration media from the cartridge. I squeezed the cartridge in tank filter box and then poured the water back into the filter. I put in some aquarium sponge and filter floss as my new media. After that I just left the old cartridge inside the tank. Hopefully there is no ammonia spike. I will probaly throw away the old cartridge in a week or when master test kit says I have no ammonia for a few days. Please let me know of I did anything wrong thanks.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

It sounds like you did everything absolutely perfect!!! Good job!

[@majickmeg]

Great video! How do I convert my system over to changing out the original media it came with to these three media’s you talked about? I have a tetra whisper 30 and would like to swap the media out but don’t want to lose that good bacteria on the media that’s on there now. Thanks!

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Put the new media in your filter and drop the old media in the tank. Leave it there for a week or so then you should be OK to remove it. Hope this helps!

[@majickmeg]

Otter Creek Aquatics thank you!!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Found your channel today and subscribed today 👍

[@aleksandarstix3097]

Imas li ti covece bioloske prstenove u filteru ,ne mesaj mehanicke i bio filtere .ketridz se mora menjati zbog mehanicke filtracije i kvalitetne cirkulacije kiseonika na bioloskim kucicama

[@lisathibault4465]

I really wish I knew this when I had my 50gal goldfish tank. I would completely clean my filter every 6 months of all the goo.

[@ellees3521]

PLEASE HELP - Thank you so much for this video! I'm going to buy an aquaclear 30 Gallon tomorrow, hwvr, I just tried polyfiber sheets and biomax balls in my filter today and one of my fish almost died! So I switched back to a new cartridge I had ... is it possible I didn't rinse the biomax balls enough? I even took them out and rinsed them longer and put fresh water in... the fish was still dying, that's when I put the cartridges in and did more water change to get rid of any biomax residue. Fish are good now I think... I have blackmoor goldfish. Wanting to transition to poly fiber and substrate but don't want to risk killing fish again 😞

[@Allknowingkeith]

Hey, I just bought my first tank. It’s aqueon 20 gallon kit. Took your suggestion and bought the jiffy soil. Also put in some gravel and 3 plants. Planning to get a floating plant. How do I know if I need a carbon filter?

[@felisamoniquette2641]

So my tank has a fungus and unfortunately I did change the filter. 😞 now I’m trying to treat it with anti fungal meds. My question is this. After the full treatment is done, should I be doing a partial water change before adding the filter back in? I am going to buy the filter you showed. I only have a 15 gallon tank and didn’t know why my fish were dying until I saw it on one of my black mollies. I am heartbroken. I love my fish and want to save the rest. Only have a few guppies and a gourami left.

[@ravingcyclist624]

Excellent information well presented ! Thanks !

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you!

[@ravingcyclist624]

@@OtterCreekAquatics I just installed a Tidal 55 today !! :-)

[@scottjobelius3619]

Do u just clean fiber filter or replace it

[@michaelgr956]

is it ok to replace the cartridges on my Marineland 350 without a mini-cycle happening because of the bio-wheel? The bio wheels are established & my canister. I do use dechlorinated water to clean it though.

[@natsmovies]

Hilarious face when you started the siphon with your mouth... there are easier ways that don't involved drinking fish water, my man!

[@CatManDoom84]

OMG HAHAHAHA i lol'd when that happened!

[@jackswain9125]

Trust me it's the most efficient way

[@karmaann899]

It does not require getting fish water in your mouth. Unless you're bad at it and don't know how gravity works 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@davelong6568]

I just pour water into the tube first by using the faucet, then close one end with my finger and then drop the other end in the tank. No need to suck.

[@cheryllong995]

This video was so informative & I sure learned a lot. One question thought, do you have to replace your poly fibre which has the good bacteria, I put my poly fibre in the box first, then my sponge , then my media & my poly fibre gets so dirty I have to replace it. So I should have put the sponge on the bottom & then the poly & then it won;t get dirty so I shouldn't have to replace it, is that what I've been doing wrong. Please reply. Thank you.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Yes I do use poly fiber and I just replace it. Although you want to put it as the last part of the filter to polish water before returning to tank

[@halkingsbury8795]

Great video! You did a finely detailed job of describing the whole procedure! Easy to follow your lingo! Thank you

[@linajoe3077]

is filter media a must have? the filter i have now just had a cartridge in it. my tank is cycled but i was confused if i was supposed to change the cartridge because it has all the bacteria on it, my question is if i don’t change the filter how would i clean it?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

You could just rinse it off in tank water, however it will break down over time

[@fullertonsurfer]

Great video. So unfortunately my wife bought a kit that came with the Tetra Whisper filter. I’ve already cycled the tank & have fish in it & now scared to change the filter as a result of losing the beneficial bacteria. Could I keep the old filter inside the tank & still run a new filter cartridge in order to keep the bacteria for the nitrogen cycle? I really don’t want to cycle the tank again & not even sure why companies sell these systems since they are so bad.

[@SNAIMAIL43]

My HOB filter holds 2 cartridges in there and I need to replace them. I was planning to replace just 1 at a time and make sure to rub the filter media from the old one onto the new one. Will this be effective?

[@Tiffany-gf8uq]

So, I don't have any access to either of those materials right now. I have a whisper internal filter that I was gona change, bc as u said, I was told to change it in one month. Can I clean this filter the same way u did the sponge?

[@omarbegreen]

Very cleaver I’m going to farm a huge colony of bacteria right away. Thankyou

[@selectpet]

I use pot scrubbers and sponges usually, I’ve also used many other forms of media from algae scrubbers to straws or sand or gravels.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Algae scrubbers and straws? Lol which has been your best/craziest so far

[@PURPLEGANGOUTDOOR]

Thanks for sharing with us FAM great info👊

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks bud!!! I appreciate it!

[@diegorosie]

Where can I buy the items so I can put together myself?

[@loavesfishes6268]

Great video! Very easy to understand.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thank you for this comment! That is what I'm going for!

[@StorkGamingTV]

Hey my man - was wondering how often you give the filter setup a cleaning? Thanks for the super helpful video :)

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

As much as I need to change water. When nitrates get high and I need to change water, I clean it in tank water that I just drained out

[@conman20000]

So the sponge filter floss and ceramic rings all build bacteria on them? So can I just have a big sponge in there or do I need the other two?

[@pupstudio]

I have a question...if one is using the replaceable filter with the bio grid, is there a way to "hot-rod" that setup with the sponges or the (I think) lava rocks? In other words, can I add any media to the pump along with the replaceable filter?? Appreciate any help on this! Great video !!

[@kateykation125]

I just bought the Aqua Culture LED 5 Gallon Starter kit. I believe it comes with the Whisper 2-10 internal power filter by tetra. I would like to make a long lasting filter alternative to buying cartridges. Can you help me?

[@loganb1996]

How often do you clean your filter out? A month? 2 months?

[@nickthegreek9012]

Do I ever have to replace the filter media or should I just clean it every so often?

[@daviddavis3619]

Thank god I watched this... I thought I was the only person that used there mouth to get the water started.. lol

[@aaronbilly5854]

Good stuff this man speaks the truth

[@SportyChicChick]

Your awesome! One question, I have the tetra whisper 10 filter in my bettas 5 gallon. Can I stack filter media horizontally (like you demonstrated in this video), instead of using the cartridges? I’m asking this because the filter wasn’t intended to be used that way.

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

As long as the water is completely covering the filter media you will be just fine!!! Thanks for watching!

[@SportyChicChick]

Otter Creek Aquatics thank you so much 😊

[@shydumpling4303]

i have been using filter cartridges but instead of throwing them out i clean them by swishing them in a separate container of tank water and then putting it back in the filter, just as you cleaned the materials in this video. is this a safe alternative?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

I have never personally done this but I think it would be just fine!

[@packisbetter90]

That's what I do too.

[@preethanambi2]

Hello, I'm a new betta owner. I have a 3.5g Top Fin with a hang back small filter. I've used the carbon cartridge for 2 months and it looks yucky. Please tell me if this is what I should do - add a small layer or course Imagitarium replacement sponge, add craft polyfil, add Aquaclear Biomax rings on top. Is that it? No carbon? Just wash these in tank water regularly?

[@adrianaescobar6924]

Yes add first the rings and le them sit for a whole month.. so they can get bacteria.. you can wash your carbon pad with water tank, and toos at the end of the month. And add the rest of your materials like you said.

[@ILovefood92]

@@adrianaescobar6924 good

[@RedDog737]

Thanks for making this video!

[@polyfartsalas7318]

Oh my god!! Does this mean i can clean it like that and never buy new things for my filter! Wow, thank you so much

[@tiberiuskirk739]

My very first time setting up a fish tank. We got goldfish and also a beta in another. So you’re saying never change filters?

[@ronaldoconnor2086]

Lots of help thank you!

[@michelleahlstrom9408]

So you never replace the rings or the sponge material? Just wash it? How often?

[@kasperaquatics]

Great info Brother. Where did you get the digital temp gauge on the community tank?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Thanks man! That's actually a timer for my lights. BEAMSWORK lights and timer

[@kasperaquatics]

Otter Creek Aquatics, gotcha. I use Google Home/Assistant to control my Tank Lights. It works from anywhere in the world!

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

@@kasperaquatics Dude that is awesome! Unfortunately I don't have any high tech gadgets in my fish room yet! Haha

[@kasperaquatics]

Otter Creek Aquatics, Kendall the Google Home Mini and the Wemo's were a Christmas gift. I just decided to put it to Good use.

[@nuwanwarushavithana.]

Wow very good advice..thx bro..

[@bihnutz1008]

I could use some advice I have a Pet Sun Perch it has cloudy eye what could be wrong with it?

[@tassodemo2316]

I’m new to the aquarium hobby, well not really I only have a 30 gallon tank. Anyways, I was gonna replace my filter cartridge, but now I’m just gonna give my local fish store a call haha

[@jayhanna782]

great video,good knowledge,keep up the good work.top man jay ,london

[@captaindip6970]

where can I buy. the stuff you are talking about to replace the filter cartridge?

[@titogee36]

Does anyone know when it’s time to change the filter I’ve had my fish for about 8 months now and the filter is real dirty . When I clean his tank I do rinse it off with his old water because I was told to do that . I’m new to fish keeping as he was gifted to me so I did not even get a chance to cycle my tank so I’m nervous of just changing the filter if it is not cycled . Can any one help me ? My tank is a top fin for a betta. Luckily my little guy who I love now survived and since I never cycled a tank I never had the experience on how to do this .

[@scottjobelius3619]

Also what about adding water do u use tap water

[@ryancary1714]

I have had at least one tank up and goin since I’ve started over 12-15yrs ago, always use a hange on the back. I used to spend sooo much money on new filter cartridges barely ever change them. Only would change if they couldn’t be rinsed somewhat clean. I may change them once every 2-3 months. Now I switched to poly filer fiber and lava rock, and if i need some carbon.

[@aaronaguirre303]

I currently use a filter cartridge. If I only replace the filter cartridge with the bio rings and keep my original sponge filter will there still be any Beneficial Bacteria so I can successfully grow into the bio rings?

[@mynamescray]

What if you've already established your bacteria on that cartridge? How do you transition over to the way you described (sponge, floss, bio balls)?

[@OtterCreekAquatics]

Put the new filter media in your filter and drop the filter cartridge in your tank for a week or 2

[@mynamescray]

@@OtterCreekAquatics Thanks, great video!

[@jimmylin8226]

My 3 stage filter has a biofilter as its 3rd stage. Would I still need to worry about this problem if I just don't replace the biofilter?

[@agathawelch1]

Okay, so i own a filter cartridge. Can i just replace it with a sponge or whatever would save my fish? Im new to this whole ''take care of your fish thing''! Thanks a lot :)

[@amandahoffmann1641]

Great video! Thanks! I was just trying to figure out what to do with my daughter's Betta tank... I have always delayed changing filter cartdidges (I thought lazy...maybe it was meant to be :-)) Anyway, I can't find her particular filter cartridge so I was surfing & found this. Can I just change over to the way you said? Shelly is a year old & I don't want to hurt her! Also, Shelly is starting to have quite a bit of brownish film over her castle and such...any advice?