Potentially dying filter

[mc malachy]

Hey all,
Just a quick question. My previously super quiet filter has started to make a noise. It sounds like its rattling inside near the spinning fan bit. I think it might be time to get a new one, as this ones lasted around 2.5 years now. I think i shall go get a new one today, but does that mean i have to cycle my tank again? Its currently operating very well and i dont really want to upset the tank and my axies too much.

 

[Jennewt]

As long as you don't change/clean anything else at the same time, no, you do not need to cycle the tank again. If the tank has a heavy bioload and a large filter, it's possible you could have a mini-cycle (a small blip of ammonia or nitrite in the tank). If you have test kits, it wouldn't hurt to test, but you are unlikely to have a problem.

 

[Daniel]

Many bacteria are located in the soil, on plants, decoration and in the water itself (I think that's what Jen meant).
Additionally you can give some of the filter material or some of the "dirt" in it from your old filter to your new one. Make sure not to shut off the old filter for too long before the transfer for the bacteria constantly need oxygen.

 

[Abrahm]

Many bacteria are located in the soil, on plants, decoration and in the water itself (I think that's what Jen meant).
Additionally you can give some of the filter material or some of the "dirt" in it from your old filter to your new one. Make sure not to shut off the old filter for too long before the transfer for the bacteria constantly need oxygen.

Daniel here is right. It may be easier if you put the media from the old filter into the new filter to keep the bacteria culture as high as possible, but every surface in your aquarium is host to nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria prefer to grow in films on actual objects though and are not found nearly as often free swimming in your tank water. That is why "seeding" a new tank with old water is less effective than some other methods.