Changing my filter question

[Sykadelic]

So I was reading a thread and it got me a little confused so I thought I'd post a question.

I'm considering a filter like this: Aqueon® Power Filter QuietFlow 50 - Power Filters - Filters - PetSmart (I also watched the vid from Aqueon here: Aqueon Videos that explains how it's set up)

Back when I was younger I had just a regular canister filter. I'm talking very old school but it did the job. I was told by my LFS that when I changed the cartridge that I was to rinse out the filter itself as well and scrub it clean. As I got older I heard about "good bacteria" so I'd rinse it, but not scrub it (obviously still bad :S).

So now I'm reading about cycling and building up the good bacteria so now I'm curious... do I EVER wash the filter itself, or do I just change the cartridge? And on changing the cartridge is this going to mini-cycle my tank or will the "bio filter holster" take care of that so I don't need to worry about spikes? And how do I know when to change the cartridge?

Also, if I were getting a 46 Euro tank (which is my plan) will it matter if I get a filter much higher in size such as this one: Aqueon® Power Filter QuietFlow 55/75 - Power Filters - Filters - PetSmart which is up to 90 gallons instead of the one above which is 50 gallons? This is in case I plan on upgrading my tank (which I may) then I don't need another filter... unless I set up two tanks which is also likely

Thanks in advance

 

[Kaysie]

With that type of filter, no, you should never wash the filter itself. The cartridge pads can actually be rinsed. These provide your mechanical filtration. That is, they physically trap the debris. I rinsed mine every 2 or 3 weeks, and replaced them every couple of months. It depends on how much crud you can get out when you rinse it.

As far as the carbon that's probably in them, it's not really necessary for filtration.

 

[iChris]

you should only rinse the media from the water you take from the tank when doing a water change, and not from the tap.

as kaysie said, carbon is not really needed, but it will absorb anything that can discolor the water, and to a extent, some waste that your axie excretes.

I love hang on the back filters, they are my favorite type of filter, after the good old fashioned sponge filter.

I have a hang on the back type for a 10 gallon planted tank that houses white cloud minnows, and it has a red indicator that sticks up out of the top when the cartridge needs cleaning, and it pops up more often when the cartridge needs replacing, as it clogs faster.

I think from memory it's a Elite cascade filter, made by Hagen.