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I have a 29gal tank that has 2 fish in it. It has been set up for 3 weeks now. I have been told that the "dirt smell" that I have been smelling is from the tank cycling. Also I understand that I should not change the water or clean it for 2-6 weeks from the time I first put the tank together with the fish in it. My question is this: the water running through the filter is not flowing as quickly as it did a week ago. Is it okay to change just the filter right now (without doing a water change)? Do I need to wait until the cycling has completed before I do this?

I also have a 10gal tank (same story), however the water is BARELY flowing through the filter. Can I change the filter on this one?

Any tips?

Thanks!

Last edited by $horty at 11-Feb-2005 22:36

I'd change the water before changing the filter. the filter media is where most of your beneficial bacteria will be growing so changing this will probably kill the cycle. if it's that clogged up you might be overfeeding. if you feed mostly flake foods try turning the filter off during feeding and maybe cut back just a bit. do you have test kits to know when the cycle is completed?

No I don't have a test kit, I need to get one.

I will try turning off the filter when feeding the flakes. I also feed them dried brine shrimp (this is the 10gal I am speaking of).

As far as the bacteria being in the filter - wont changing the filter (after the cycling is complete) take the good bacteria away?

How often does a tank need to cycle?

Welcome $horty to FP. Once a tank has cycled, and you keep it in good order you more than likely will never need to cycle it again, unless you tear it down, or move it and don't move it correctly. It's kind of like seasoning a cast iron skillet, once it's done right you shouldn't have to do it again, though correct maintenance is a constant to keep it all in good working order.

Since you don't have a test kit at home, gather some water in a small ziplock or sandwich bag, and take it to your lfs and they will usually test it for you for free! A great benefit if you don't have your own kit, or if you only have one tank

Best of luck, Heidi

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle