Keeping the aquarium clean is important for the life of the fish living inside it. That is why keeping a good filtration system is mandatory.
The filter cartridge is one of the main elements of the filter. It works by catching the particles from the water and as it gets dirty and needs to be changed. But how do you change the filter cartridge when you are a beginner?
Changing the filter cartridge is simple and in this guide we will show you exactly how to do it.
What is a filter cartridge?
A filter cartridge is considered the main part of the filtration system which mainly takes part in mechanical filtration. It catches the particles and impurities from the water and keeps it clean.
Inside the cartridge, there is activated carbon which absorbs some of the chemicals. It is considered chemical filtration in the aquarium. Without it, the water in the tank will eventually turn yellow and get dirty making the tank toxic for the fish that live inside it.
How to change Top Fin filter cartridges?
Changing the top fin filter cartridge is the easiest thing in the whole tank cleaning process. You need to replace the cartridge every 3-4 weeks. It does not work for more than a month.
Steps to changing Top Fin filter cartridges:
- Open the lid of the aquarium.
- You will see a filter cartridge inside the filter compartment. It is located on top of the tank so there should be no complication in locating the cartridge.
- Take out the old cartridge.
- Damp the new cartridge with tank water and put it where the old one was placed.
- Close the aquarium lid.
Gathering necessary materials and tools
All materials and tools must be on hand for a quick and smooth process. First, look for a new Top Fin filter cartridge compatible with your aquarium’s filter model. You will also need access to clean, cool water to rinse the cartridge before inserting it into the filter chamber. A small bucket is also helpful when adding water to the filter upon installing the new cartridge.
Preparation before the Top Fin cartridge replacement
Careful preparation is a crucial requirement on how to change Top Fin filter cartridges. As with the case of cleaning your filter, turning it off and unplugging it is a critical safety requirement when it comes to replacing the cartridge. Doing so will protect you from electric shocks and inadvertently damaging your aquarium filter. If the plug or outlet appears wet, disconnect it through the circuit breaker instead before unplugging it and examining it more closely.
Take note that emptying your aquarium tank is not necessary to replace a Top Fin filter cartridge. However, you do need to remove dust or debris from the filter cartridge. Run it under cold running water for a few seconds and inspect it for any presence of foreign contaminants. Avoid using warm or hot water since either can cause damage to the cartridge.
Installation of the new Top Fin filter cartridge
After unplugging your filter, gently push up the lid using both hands to remove it. Set this aside for the time being. Next, pull out the existing filter cartridge from the filter compartment. You cannot reuse this anymore, so you must dispose of it properly.
The next step on how to change Top Fin filter cartridges involves inserting the rinsed replacement cartridge into the filter slot. Use your fingers to determine or adjust the fit of the cartridge in the compartment. Once certain, add half a bucket of water into the filter to prime it for operation.
Put the lid back and wait until you hear a clicking sound. Finally, plug in the filter again to the electric socket. Take a few seconds to observe for any unexpected movements or sounds in your filter. If there is, unplug the filter again and adjust the cartridge until it is secured well and working correctly.
Cartridge maintenance tips and best practices
Learning how to change Top Fin filter cartridges is essential for any aquarist. However, it’s best to exercise proper care and maintenance to ensure you don’t have to replace the cartridge more frequently than necessary. Such practices will also help in protecting the health of the aquarium’s inhabitants and keep the tank in tip-top condition. Below, we have shared some valuable maintenance tips and best practices on filter cartridges that you should keep in mind.
How to clean Top Fin cartridge without removing the beneficial bacteria
In a nutshell, we recommend that you clean the cartridge gently with the old tank water without rubbing it, gently rinsing the cartridge whilst making sure it is not 100% clean.
This is the safest method you can use for cleaning the cartridge. You have to be very gentle because there are beneficial bacteria living in the cartridge. If you fully remove all of that while cleaning, it affects the tank ecosystem.
Try not to use tap water directly to clean the cartridge. It shocks the bacteria and will likely kill them off faster. It is better to use the old tank water or mix the water conditioner with tap water.
How often should you change the Top Fin cartridge
The top fin filter cartridge should be changed once every month for better filtration.
Yes, you can clean it sometimes, but after one month the cartridge does not work at its full potential. You may notice water flow decreasing or water getting dirty if you do not change it in time.
To keep the water clean and keep the fish healthy, change it on time. Or you can try the alternatives of the filter cartridge. You can read more about it in the article Top Fin Filter Alternatives.
Cleaning other components of the filter system
As a general rule of thumb, an aquarium filter system must be cleaned once every 3 to 4 weeks. However, this can be reduced to at least one week if you notice the tank water turning cloudy, a sludge buildup, reduced water flow, or the fish appears to move sluggishly. Aside from changing the filter cartridges, the pump or motor, housing, and water inlet tube of the filter should be cleaned regularly to guarantee optimal water circulation and filtration.
You must turn off and disassemble the filter system before performing any care and maintenance practices. We also recommend using only warm, conditioned water for this purpose. Hot water can severely damage the filter’s components, and cold water may not be enough to remove the waste buildup. A water conditioner is also necessary if you use tap water to achieve the appropriate water quality and pH level. Avoid using soap, detergents, or other cleaning agents since their chemical residues harm your fish and aquatic plants.
Checking for any leaks or issues post-installation
Don’t let it get to the point where your Top Fin filter is not working, thus endangering the health of the aquarium’s ecosystem. After installation, conduct a visual inspection. Examine the filter—particularly the connections, tubes, and seals—for any signs of water leakage. Observe the water flow to ensure it gets into the filter and returns to the tank. If the flow rate seems weak, look for possible obstructions in the tubes or impeller.
Your fish can also be an indicator of whether or not you have successfully learned how to change Top Fin filter cartridges. If your pets appear sluggish or exhibit unusual behavior, there may be problems related to the filter. This can prompt you to test the water parameters on pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. You should also check the filter motor, impeller, and other components for any signs of malfunction.
Troubleshooting common problems
After figuring out how to change Top Fin filter cartridges the first time, you may encounter some issues in the tank’s filtration system in general. You might notice them right after turning on the filter again, or it can occur days or weeks after the cartridge has been replaced. Don’t worry because most common problems can be resolved quickly or without spending another dime. Here are the troubleshooting guides and tips to help you address them effectively.
Addressing issues like water cloudiness or odor after replacement
Water cloudiness or unpleasant odors can occur due to the disturbance of beneficial bacteria or tank debris. Either issue does not automatically indicate an issue with the filter or the cartridge. You also do not have to replace the aquarium water right away. Wait for a few minutes and let the tank stabilize first.
If the cloudiness or odor does not dissipate, test the water for its ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. If the numbers are not within the optimal levels, perform a partial water change to improve the water quality. Continue monitoring until the appropriate water clarity and odor have been restored.
Handling loose or improper fitting cartridges
As explained earlier on how to change Top Fin filter cartridges, you should take the time to adjust its fit to prevent it from getting loose or misaligned. If you notice such an issue post-installation, turn off and unplug the filter first. Inspect the cartridge position and ensure it is placed correctly in its designated slot aligned with the filter’s water intake and outflow.
If the problem is not due to the positioning, look for signs of damage on the filter housing. Cracks or broken parts can also cause the cartridge to move around while the filter is operational. Should there be any damaged components, replace them promptly to prevent the filtration issue from escalating.
Dealing with leaks or unusual noises from the filter
A water leak or a filter making noise is an indicator that there may be an issue with the seals and connections, the impeller, or the water flow. The first thing to do is check for any broken or loose parts. If there is no issue, consider using anti-vibration pads to reduce the noise level.
If the unusual noise is emanating from the impeller, you should look for obstructions first. Should there be none, remove the nozzle and clean it using a bottle brush. On the other hand, if the noise sounds high-pitched or buzzing, focus on the water inflow and outflow ports. Clean them and remove all accumulated debris to resolve the issue.
Change Your Top Fin Cartridge With Ease
By now you already know the importance of a filter cartridge. It is the heart of the water filtration system. So, you need to change it when it is needed.
Top fin cartridge last for one month. If you have decided to reply on top fin cartridge only, make sure to change it every 3-4 weeks. So that, the water remains clean and the fish happy.
FAQs about changing Top Fin filter cartridges
Is it safe to clean the filter cartridge?
Yes, it is safe to clean the filter cartridge unless you are cleaning all the beneficial bacteria out of it
What technology do aquarium filters use for water purification?
The aquarium filter uses Reverse Osmosis technology to purify the tank water.
Should I clean the cartridge with hot water?
You should never clean the cartridge with hot water. It kills the bacteria needed for the fish.
Can I use a sponge pad instead of a cartridge?
Yes, you can use a sponge pad instead of a cartridge.
Do Top Fin filter cartridges Help in Biological Filtration?
Top fin filter cartridges help in biological filtration. In this process, beneficial bacteria grow and help to build an ecosystem inside the tank. The beneficial bacteria grow inside the cartridge as well and it provides the bacteria a surface to grow.
