[88kc88]

I have a 180 gal tank with about 40 african cichlids. The tank has been cycled and running great for about 5 months but here is my question. In my wet dry system under the tank the filter pad is very clogged since the water is backing up to get through to the bio balls. If I change the pad it will solve the problem but I will lose my good bacteria. So finally here is my question. What should I do?

 

[remarkosmoc]

the filter pad will house bacteria, but the bioballs are where most of your bacteria is designed to live. I would change the pad now and then in the future clean the pad weekly. Rely on the bioballs to house the bacteria not the prefilter pad.

 

[88kc88]

Thanks for the reply. So if I change the pad I wont lose the good bacteria I have in the tank? I was just afraid to lose my cycle again. I have been through too much to get the tank the way it is. Thanks

 

[88kc88]

Thanks for the reply. So if I change the pad I wont lose the good bacteria I have in the tank? I was just afraid to lose my cycle again. I have been through too much to get the tank the way it is. Thanks

 

[remarkosmoc]

you should be fine, there is bacteria on every surface of the tank and filters, but the bioballs should have enough to support the tank.

 

[dergibog]

X2. tannable75 is correct.
You'll be fine and do change that pad weekly from here on out.

 

[Hoggy Boss]

Rinsing the pad in tank water might help too. I rinse my foam pads out, but I use a HOB filter so I'm not sure if rinsing the pads would work for you.