I just recently got my tank to cycle but my filters are dirty and need to be changed. I bought new filters and it says I should rinse the carbon dust out of them before I install but if I do that wont the chlorine in the tap water destroy the bacteria in my water. If I rinse them tonight I could let them sit for awhile to let dry would that be ok or what is the best way of doing that?

I assume you are using HOB filters...

If this is the case, only change 1 filter pad at a time. And rinse it in dirty tank water first... This will clear the carbon dust, and not kill your BB...

What is HOB filter the filters I bought are Aqua-Tech filters and I have 5 to change how much time should I give it inbetween each filter before I change them

HOB = Hang On The Back

And if you have 5 to change, and your cycle is new, I would change one, wait 3 or 4 days, then change one more... It would be nice if you could wait a week in between, but if you can't, at least give it a few days.

My tank is nice and clean but my filters look like crap, I have two filter systems that take two filters a piece and I have a small filter system on the side that takes one. Do you think I can change two in one filter system and wait one week and change the two in the other then after another week change the single or should I just do one at filter at a time

I would just do one filter pad at a time right now. After your cycle is more established then you can change one in each filter at one time...

What are your Nitrates?

Ok will do thanks again Nicki

you've been covered by Nickie... but just for curiosity,
why change the filter media??? why not wash and squeeze them
in tank water to clean. this way you can keep the bacteria
intact inside those media.

Doesnt the carbon go bad and I read you should change your filters every month

Yes it does... Do like we talked about Hun!

nhager wrote:

oh carbon...yeah, it has useful life span but you can have good water
without it so why bother getting a new one. use other recyclable media
instead.

@ Paul => I dont think he would have much option with the HOB filter.. btw.. in case I plan to customize one of those HOB filters.. do you think I can add some bio balls or ceramic rings as well?? add a few mesh like layers.. but I only fear there is not enough space for all these layers in a HOB...