Filter change

Hiya everyone, how are you all doing. Nice to be on here again - it seems ages since i last posted and there's been loads of changes on here - hardly recognised the place!! Looks good though :lol:

I dont have a problem (breathes sigh of relief!!) but I have been wondering how to go about changing the foam in my filter?? I dont want to start a mini cycle so how does everyone go about this?

Hi Guppy, nice to see you!

Can I ask why you want to change your filter foam...is it past it's best?

The best way to go about it is to thoroughly was the new foam then wash it some more in old tank water. Cut both, your old foam & the new one in ½ and use ½ of each.
I always squeeze a bit of muck out of the old bit you're throwing away onto the new bit too, just for good measure
Repeat the process in about 4-6 wks to swap the other ½

Hiya Guppy, nice to see you posting again . I can only reiterate the good advice given by Munchy. Dont change your filter foam unless it is really falling to bits though.

I've had my filter media for over a year - by the time I rinse it every month, it's absolutely minging but I've yet to change any.

hehe I decided to clean out MCs Fluval 2 she generouslly let me use to help speed up my cycle.

And god it was DISGUSTING!

Must have been months to years of fish poop in there

Probably about 6 months GD. I never touched it at all, I only clean the main filter.
Did you find my missing Gourami, Otto or rummy nose tetra inside??

no....to be honest i couldnt see the bottom of the bucket - it was black!!! i found what I believed to be baby fish tho.

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the replies, it's nice to be back on. I have moved house to an old one that needs a ton of work done on it so that is taking up a lot of my time these days.

Munchy, you asked why I am thinking of changing. It's just that the current ones got covered in a load of brick dust (dont ask!!), and although I have given them a good rinse I am a bit bothered in case they contaminate the water. The water doesn't seem quite as clear as it used to and I dont know whether I would be better to just get new ones but dont want to have a cycle going on in the tank.

Hi Guppy. If you're bothered about them them it's best to change them,but do it a bit at a time, as mentioned by Munchy above.

Hope the house gets sorted soon