[MrDavid]

This may be a dumb question, but is a cartridge necessary when using a power filter that hangs over the back of the aquarium?

I have 2 power filters running my 75 gal. I have not replaced the cartridges in 6 months, but I do weekly water changes. My 11 cichlids are growing and healthy. I'm thinking about removing the cartridges and just using the power filter for the purpose of water aeration.

I would appreciate any advice on this. Again, I apologize if this is a dumb question.

 

[Deeda]

Yes you need some kind of media in your filter to trap the debris from your aquarium.
It would be helpful to know the filter brand & model number to fine tune any answers I may give.
Do you rinse the cartridge periodically to clean it?

 

[Toby_H]

If you’ve been using the same cartridge for 6 months and the water still isn’t spilling over the top of the cartridge… then this filter isn’t picking up much solid waste…

The filter will still move water without a cartridge in it... so although you will not get any mechanical filtration out of it, you will still have the benefits of the moving water...

But if the cartridges are lasting you 6 months each there is very little hassle or expense to continue using them... If I could make cartridges last 6 months I might go back to using Emperor filters

 

[MrDavid]

Thanks, Deeda and Toby for your response.

I have 2 Regent 30-60 gal filters. I brush out the debris that get trapped on the micro fiber sides every now and then. It's not often that I do so though since there just aren't a lot of visible debris trapped when I take out the cartridges. Water flow is still pretty good, as well.

With this being said, should I not replace the cartridges as long as there is good water flow, or will I have better water chemistry with new cartridges?

 

[Deeda]

I'm not familiar with this model but found a link to the cartridge replacement here. Just scroll down the page, it is under the Marineland brand. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141720&highlight=regent+30/60.

I would recommend replacing the cartridge. I don't know if there is carbon in the cartridge but usually there is. Carbon loses its effectiveness after a few weeks. Also, since you have 2 filters, only replace the cartridge in one filter then next month, replace the other. They can be rinsed out but only use fish tank water to clean them. Never use tap water. Just put some water in a bucket when you do your water change then swish the cartridge around to get the gunk out.

I think your water quality will be better if you follow what I recommended above. Just don't change both cartridges in the same month. Your good bacteria lives in the filter as well as in the gravel & other decor you have in your tank.

BTW, what kind of cichlids do you have? Also, how big are they now? And how much water do you change every week?

 

[MrDavid]

Thank you for the great link. There was a link within that page with generic brand cartridges. I'm still trying to see if they have ones for my filters.

I have 2 5" frontosas (7-stripe), 2 yellow labs, a red fin borleyi and OB peacocks. They get along great. I may have to give a few away when my frontosas get bigger.

Thanks for your advice.