Aquatech Filter Cartridge

[Bellie816]

I have an Aquatech 5-15 filter with the pre-packaged filter cartridges that have carbon in them. In a few weeks I am looking to replace this with a sponge (recommended by some fellow members here) so that the carbon does not leak toxins. Is that okay? Will I lose some or all of my bacteria by doing this? The filter cartridge has been in there for almost 5 weeks now... and does have some greenish looking stuff on it.

When I get the sponge, how often does it need to be squeezed out? Are you only supposed to tend to it when the flow gets low?

[Northernguy]

When you get the sponge take your cartridge and cut any cloth of it and stuff it in the filter with the sponge.That will help hold the cycle while the sponge builds up bacteria.
I rinse my sponges every second water change.

[Kazenouta]

I have an Aquatech 5-15 HOB running on my 5 gallon tank. I just slit open the carbon cartridge and removed the carbon so that the blue sponge-like part will still serve as mechanical filtration.

In your filter there is the white floss like cartridge which is where most of your beneficial bacteria will be living so, changing out the carbon cartridge shouldn't really effect your cycle; it certainly had no negative effects on mine.