Question: Filter Emergency

[Sean1364]

I replaced the filter sponge thingies in my Tetra Filter because they were filthy and the Timestrip said to. Anyway, I put them in and started the filter and immediately my tank was filled with tiny, fine white specks and coated the black sand with a white layer, like it was suddenly snowing in my tank. Is this normal? What should I do?

 

[tomkeogh]

Is it an internal or canister filter? this is a very stupid question but did you turn off the filter before you changed?

 

[callina]

silly question, too , but did you rinse the sponge thing under tap water before putting it into the filter?

 

[Sean1364]

silly question, too , but did you rinse the sponge thing under tap water before putting it into the filter?

Not that silly, because no I didn't.

Its a Tetra FS 30-60.

Yes, the filter was off.

 

[tomkeogh]

Did you just change the sponge or did you clean the rest of the media aswell?

 

[dragonlady]

Tom,

This is a waterfall type filter that has activated carbon inside a cotton cartridge, it's a one piece deal. There is also a plastic pre-filter that is one piece.

Sean,

To change this, you need to turn off the filter, remove both pieces if desired, or just one. The pre filter needs to be rinsed out under running water before returning it to the filter. The cartridge is discarded when the time strip changes color. The new cartridge needs to be rinsed under water until it runs clear to remove carbon dust. I'd be rinsing out this pre-filter whenever you notice it's dirty.

I would turn it off and rinse media out. Return all to the filter and turn it back on. Do a partial water change w/vacuuming too to help your filter along. It should clear up on its own. Chalk it up to a rookie mistake and remember to rinse the cartridge the next time. No worries, just a bit messy for you. Take care.

 

[Sean1364]

Tom,

This is a waterfall type filter that has activated carbon inside a cotton cartridge, it's a one piece deal. There is also a plastic pre-filter that is one piece.

Sean,

To change this, you need to turn off the filter, remove both pieces if desired, or just one. The pre filter needs to be rinsed out under running water before returning it to the filter. The cartridge is discarded when the time strip changes color. The new cartridge needs to be rinsed under water until it runs clear to remove carbon dust. I'd be rinsing out this pre-filter whenever you notice it's dirty.

I would turn it off and rinse media out. Return all to the filter and turn it back on. Do a partial water change w/vacuuming too to help your filter along. It should clear up on its own. Chalk it up to a rookie mistake and remember to rinse the cartridge the next time. No worries, just a bit messy for you. Take care.

Thank you so much. You made me feel a lot better. Just as long as it doesn't harm the Axolotls, I don't mind a bit of a mess (it has cleared up quite a bit.)