i was wondering how often i should change a filter cartridge? thanks

I typically change mine monthly, but I have seperate bio media. If you have a bio wheel, undergravel filter, sponge, or bio-max, you can change it as often as you like. Just make sure you don't clean the bio media and change/clean the cartridge at the same time.

ok. thanks =] i guess i'm due to change it

The only time I change mine are when they are either so dirty that rinsing isn't enough anymore or they start to fall apart.

Courtnie, and how are your fish doing? (in the sense of, occurrence rate of diseases, how happy they seem, etc)

I'm asking seriously, because I have yet to figure out what method/frequency of filter changes work best for me.

Once you get to a method and use it for a while, your fish will get used to it. I find that a cleaner cartridge provides cleaner water and happier fish.

Fishieperson! Am I glad to see you here!

I was wondering if you used the whole "quilt batting" idea for mechanical filter layers in your AquaClear.

And if so, which brand(s) do you use?

Well the oldest fish I have now are around 2 1/2 years old and the only problem I have had was at the very beginning but I won them from a fair so that was to be expected. Before that I had a goldie that was around 8 or 9 and he never had any problems until the end when he got dropsy but I think that had more to do with organ failure then anything else. Every 2 weeks or so I just rinse off my cartridges or foam depending on what type of filter I'm rinsing and in each filter I have Biomax for even more space for the bacteria to colonize.

Thanks for your reply, silver, it's definitely useful info.

I swear I learn more about goldfish care every time I come here.

Check it out guys,

http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...showtopic=26495

Thanks for the link, ranchu!

I was also looking for personal accounts -- it seems as if there is quite a bit of conflicting information on the internet, especially when no sources are cited.

toothless's explanation seems great, but I'm also interested in hearing what's worked for specific individuals...

Bookmarking the filter overview now.