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I'm not sure if this is the right place for this or not but...
right now i am using nitrex bio media but i don't like that i have to change it every 4 months so i am wanting to switch over to something similar that doesn't need to be replaced like matrix.

what i was thinking i might do so i don't loose all of my good bacteria is take the nitrex out of the filter and put it in the nitrex box which i will then put in the tank. then i will put the matrix in the filter and i will keep the nitrex box in the tank until the matrix builds up the good bacteria. that way my tank will still be cycled and get rid of the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate while the matrix is cycling.

do you think this will work?
thanks
Michelle

yes keep them both in the tank for at least 2 weeks better if you can 3 too 4 weeks gives your media enough time to seed then you wont have too go thru a mini cyclc

If you were to swap out the Nitrex bio-media in four months, the new media would not be seeded with bacteria. Assuming your aquarium is fully cycled, a media swap should have a minimal impact. I like your idea of maintaining the existing media in the box or a small bag for a week or two to minimize the possibility of a mini-cycle.

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That should work just fine. Whenever making changes concerning your biofilter it's generally best to make them as gradual as possible, or do it all @once and take steps (adding bacterial starter) to prevent a spike.
Last time I had to change a filter in one of the tanks (it'd been ruined by the sand and one of my bosses insisted that it be changed right away) I made sure I used the sponge from the old filter on the bottom of the new sponges to allow the old bacteria to easily conquer and populate the new sponge.

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thanks
Michelle