HOB filters, am I doing it wrong?

[kelbri]

So I have been doing some reading about filters lately, and about bacteria build-up in them. But I can't really seem to find an answer on my question.

I have a 29g Top Fin setup from PetSmart. Came with the essentials, filter, heater, canopy and lights. The heater works great. Keeps my tank at 80 constant (I have a thermometer at either end of the tank, and both read the same all the time). The canopy and lights work well enough (although I am now looking at building a new canopy). The filter also seems to be working just fine. But after reading and trying to figure it out, I am only more confused.

Since my start to fish keeping, I have used the filter packs you can buy at any store that sells fish. You know the ones, the little fabric pouch that you put some charcoal in (Top Fin® Filter Cartridges - Filtration & Circulation - Fish - PetSmart). Well, when I do a replacement, I take the old one out, throw it away, wash the new one (to get any dust particles off) and replace. But now I think to myself WHAT THE CRAP AM I DOING?!? Bacteria, in the garbage. Is that correct? Now my tank may go through a mini cycle?

Then I keep reading that some people use peat moss, or other things instead. Is that correct? By doing what the manufaturer recommends, am I putting my little friends through undue stress? Should I continue doing what I am doing, or is there something better to be done (short of purchasing more/different equipment)? Thanks for any help or direction anybody can provide.

 

[radmobile]

Does the filter have more than just a foam and charcoal? Maybe try alternating the cartridges and not replacing them all at the same time.

 

[GiantManLittleFish]

Doesn't that filter also have a black plastic sponge in the filter after the filter pad. Those hold alot of bacteria in them so changing the filter bad is not so bad. If it doesn't no worries. Rocks, plants, and decorations all have the same bacteria on it and break down ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. But I do know one thing with those filters pads once used it is hard to rinse them off in tank water and must be disposed of.

 

[kelbri]

All that is in this HOB filter is the filter bag and the charcoal. Nothing more.

 

[GiantManLittleFish]

You can buy a plastic filter floss and cut it down to size. Put it behind your filter bag and that will keep bacteria in your filter at all times.

 

[Orion]

Get creative

To answer your question, yes and no. Yes, you are throwing out bacteria when you toss out the used media, however the bacteria is on every surface of everything in the tank. So it's not that the filter media is the ONLY place where bacteria grow, it's just generally the most concentrated area. When you put a new one in, the remaining bacteria act as a starter culture, and help speed up the process of rebuilding the big colonies of bacteria in the filter media. So your tank may very well go though a small mini cycle when you change the filter media. This is one reason not to change it to much and only when it actually needs it, not when the manufacturer says. And if you actually see any ammonia a few days after you change out the media then it would be wise to cut back feeding during the transition period some to let the bacteria catch up.