Cleaning filter during cycling

[David McDermott]

I am starting a new 10 gal tank (it's almost 2 weeks old). Just wondering
if it advisable to clean the filter at all during cycling or just leave it
be? Thus far it is showing now signs of clogging so I'm thinking I should
just leave it. Any thoughts? Will it need at least a quick rinsing during
the cycle?

Also it is a Whisper filter and I am new to that brand. What is the best
way to clean those and replace the media without losing the bacteria? I've
read over a few different strategies on this and some seem to require
advanced surgical skills to pull off. I'm already kind of questioning my
decision to get the whisper, but surely there is an easier way to clean
them...

[Altum]

David McDermott wrote:
> I am starting a new 10 gal tank (it's almost 2 weeks old). Just wondering
> if it advisable to clean the filter at all during cycling or just leave it
> be? Thus far it is showing now signs of clogging so I'm thinking I should
> just leave it. Any thoughts? Will it need at least a quick rinsing during
> the cycle?
>
> Also it is a Whisper filter and I am new to that brand. What is the best
> way to clean those and replace the media without losing the bacteria? I've
> read over a few different strategies on this and some seem to require
> advanced surgical skills to pull off. I'm already kind of questioning my
> decision to get the whisper, but surely there is an easier way to clean
> them...

Don't clean it unless it clogs, and then rinse gently in a bucket of
tank water or dechlorinated tap water at tank temperature.

The Whisper frame is supposed to grow enough bacteria that you can
change the cartridge without a cycle. I've seen people here say that
they rinse and reuse the cartridge until it falls apart or they need
fresh carbon.

--
Put the word aquaria in the subject to email me.
Did you read the FAQ? http://faq.thekrib.com

[MEAlston]

That Whisper filter you have has been around more than 20 years. Its a
proven, cost effective little number. I did exactly as posted earlier..used
the bio-bag 'till it just plain fell apart.

[David McDermott]

Thanks for the info, it helps a lot! I've read about folks who have gone so
far as to slice the bag open and refill the carbon. Is this even feasable
(or necessary), or will there be nothing left of the thing by the time the
carbon runs out?

"Altum" > wrote in message
. net...
> David McDermott wrote:
>> I am starting a new 10 gal tank (it's almost 2 weeks old). Just
>> wondering if it advisable to clean the filter at all during cycling or
>> just leave it be? Thus far it is showing now signs of clogging so I'm
>> thinking I should just leave it. Any thoughts? Will it need at least a
>> quick rinsing during the cycle?
>>
>> Also it is a Whisper filter and I am new to that brand. What is the best
>> way to clean those and replace the media without losing the bacteria?
>> I've read over a few different strategies on this and some seem to
>> require advanced surgical skills to pull off. I'm already kind of
>> questioning my decision to get the whisper, but surely there is an easier
>> way to clean them...
>
> Don't clean it unless it clogs, and then rinse gently in a bucket of tank
> water or dechlorinated tap water at tank temperature.
>
> The Whisper frame is supposed to grow enough bacteria that you can change
> the cartridge without a cycle. I've seen people here say that they rinse
> and reuse the cartridge until it falls apart or they need fresh carbon.
>
> --
> Put the word aquaria in the subject to email me.
> Did you read the FAQ? http://faq.thekrib.com

[MEAlston]

Yeah..You can cut the bag open and replace the old carbon with new. Close
the bag up with a plastic twist-tie..not the paper kind you find on bread
loaves...anything plastic..you get the idea.

When you see some discoloration in your tank or sense a mild odor...(any
strong odors should send an alarm)...change the carbon. Remember to remove
the carbon if you find yourself have to add medications to the tank. The
carbon will render them useless.

I haven't priced bio-bags..I see Tetra still offers them.

[Altum]

David McDermott wrote:
> Thanks for the info, it helps a lot! I've read about folks who have gone so
> far as to slice the bag open and refill the carbon. Is this even feasable
> (or necessary), or will there be nothing left of the thing by the time the
> carbon runs out?

Carbon is usually spent after about a month, while the bag is perfectly
fine. That's why people slice them open. (Or why people like me use
Aquaclears with separate biofiltration and carbon.)

--
Put the word aquaria in the subject to email me.
Did you read the FAQ? http://faq.thekrib.com

[Texas Yankee]

I just purchased two Emperor 400s as replacements for the two older 400s on
my 105 mbuna tank - the new filters are different - there's a different
design for where the impellor fits - and they are noiser - A LOT NOISER -
than even the older filters that they replaced.

I'm moving on to two Fluvals - it's sad to see the degradation in quality in
the Emperors
..
"MEAlston" > wrote in message
...
> Yeah..You can cut the bag open and replace the old carbon with new. Close
> the bag up with a plastic twist-tie..not the paper kind you find on bread
> loaves...anything plastic..you get the idea.
>
> When you see some discoloration in your tank or sense a mild odor...(any
> strong odors should send an alarm)...change the carbon. Remember to
> remove
> the carbon if you find yourself have to add medications to the tank. The
> carbon will render them useless.
>
> I haven't priced bio-bags..I see Tetra still offers them.
>
>

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:

>I am starting a new 10 gal tank (it's almost 2 weeks old). Just wondering
>if it advisable to clean the filter at all during cycling or just leave it
>be? Thus far it is showing now signs of clogging so I'm thinking I should
>just leave it. Any thoughts? Will it need at least a quick rinsing during
>the cycle?
>
>Also it is a Whisper filter and I am new to that brand. What is the best
>way to clean those and replace the media without losing the bacteria? I've
>read over a few different strategies on this and some seem to require
>advanced surgical skills to pull off. I'm already kind of questioning my
>decision to get the whisper, but surely there is an easier way to clean
>them...
>
This is the second time today I've run across a new Whisper owner. My
first advice is RTFM, (read the fine manual). I don't mean to be
caustic, but the instructions that came with the filter are really
pretty thorough. Your Whisper comes with a brown flat sponge, around
post card size, maybe 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. That sponge slides in
between the white biobag and the waterfall outlet into the tank. The
sponge fits in a black plastic frame, though them may be blue these
days. The sides of the sponge are slightly angled, so it only fits one
way in its frame. There is no need to do anything with the sponge,
perhaps a rinse in used tank water once or twice a year. This sponge
contains the majority of your "good" bacteria. Regarding cleaning the
filter, I guess I don't understand what you think needs to be cleaned.
The white filter "biobag" is installed right behind the brown sponge,
and the biobag is lifted out and rinsed in old tank water or disposed
of and replaced once a month, your choice. The bag slides on and off a
thin black plastic frame, don't wash the frame, it contains bacteria
too, and the new bag is held in place with a little clip on the top.
There is nothing else to clean. The remainder of the filter should not
need a cleaning . . . I clean mine before putting it in storage after
it's been in use for 5 or 10 years. I can't think of any filter than
needs frequent cleaning, other than replacement of the filter media,
which is usually floss bags and carbon.

-- Mister Gardener

Everything Aquaria & Tropical Fish at The Krib:
http://faq.thekrib.com/

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 19:37:18 GMT, "MEAlston"
> wrote:

>That Whisper filter you have has been around more than 20 years. Its a
>proven, cost effective little number. I did exactly as posted earlier..used
>the bio-bag 'till it just plain fell apart.
>
I generally let my biobags go 4-6 weeks, then a rinse, then a few more
weeks. They are available in 12 packs, and are less than a dollar
apiece in that quantity. The replacement package contains one or two
extra bio frames in case you've lost or broken yours, (I'm not sure
how that would happen so I have lots of extra frames), but the extra
bag-top clip supplied can be worth gold if you just lost your clip
down the sink drain or wherever those things disappear to when least
expected. The package also contains 12 packs of carbon, if you use
carbon in your biobags. (I don't routinely use carbon.) I've been
using Whispers since time began and I probably have a dozen around
here somewhere. No problems.

Recent new Whispers have been including a little plastic fishy that
you suction cup onto the front or side of your tank and when you press
the reset button one little red lite will begin blinking after a week
to remind you to do your water change and the other begins blinking in
a month to remind you to check and change your biobags. It's really
stupid, but it's free. And my 2 year old grandson knows that it is the
only thing he is allowed to touch on the tanks. He pushes the buttons
and the lights blink and restart my timer all over again. Small price
to pay considering all the other things around the tanks he could be
fooling with.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:39:49 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:

>Thanks for the info, it helps a lot! I've read about folks who have gone so
>far as to slice the bag open and refill the carbon. Is this even feasable
>(or necessary), or will there be nothing left of the thing by the time the
>carbon runs out?

Their is no need to cut anything - the Whisper bag is a sleeve with an
open top that is held shut by a single clip. Adding carbon to the bag
is optional, though I think Whispers may come with carbon already in
the first bag. There are some aftermarket bags that come with the
carbon sealed in, made to fit Whisper, Marineland, and some others. I
prefer the empty bags so I can add what I want, which these days is no
carbon and some crushed coral to keep my buffer from sliding away into
never never land. So people add AmmoCarb, water softeners, all sorts
of stuff.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:56:21 GMT, "MEAlston"
> wrote:

>Yeah..You can cut the bag open and replace the old carbon with new. Close
>the bag up with a plastic twist-tie..not the paper kind you find on bread
>loaves...anything plastic..you get the idea.

You're losing me. Whisper bags are not sealed shut. Are we talking
about the same product?
>
>When you see some discoloration in your tank or sense a mild odor...(any
>strong odors should send an alarm)...change the carbon. Remember to remove
>the carbon if you find yourself have to add medications to the tank. The
>carbon will render them useless.
>
>I haven't priced bio-bags..I see Tetra still offers them.
>
-- Mister Gardener

[MEAlston]

Yes...that's me showing my age....Twenty some years ago I had a Whisper
that used Bio-Bag like media. It was a mesh bag with carbon. Seems it was
first introduced as a disposable bag. Then I remember them coming out with
the bag that opens and clips shut like you mentioned.

[Frederick B. Henry Jr.]

On 2006-04-21, Mister Gardener > wrote:
> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:
>
> This is the second time today I've run across a new Whisper owner. My
> first advice is RTFM, (read the fine manual). I don't mean to be
> caustic, but the instructions that came with the filter are really
> pretty thorough. Your Whisper comes with a brown flat sponge, around
> post card size, maybe 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. That sponge slides in
> between the white biobag and the waterfall outlet into the tank.

Hey Mister Gardener... (I assume you are referring to me as the second
newbie Whisper owner) I come from the land of UNIX where reading the
f*****g manual is pretty much well-ingrained. And so, with my Whisper,
I did indeed read the (not so) fine manual. Alas, with my Whisper
Power filter for 5 - 15 gallon tanks the Biobag is one piece...there is
no seperate sponge outside of it. So unless the manual is completely
mistaken, and/or I was sold a broken product...I just have one bag in my
filter, with no instructions or indications for a separate sponge
sitting alongside it. I am talking one piece here in the filter
chamber...one biobag...if there are parts I am missing please let me
know...given my extended tank cycling epic!

> The sponge fits in a black plastic frame....

*In* the frame or *beside* it as per your quoted post above?

Confused and worried...


Best,

Fred

--
"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after."
--Alphonse Allais

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 22:11:10 GMT, "Texas Yankee"
> wrote:

>I just purchased two Emperor 400s as replacements for the two older 400s on
>my 105 mbuna tank - the new filters are different - there's a different
>design for where the impellor fits - and they are noiser - A LOT NOISER -
>than even the older filters that they replaced.
>
>I'm moving on to two Fluvals - it's sad to see the degradation in quality in
>the Emperors

I've found the same problem with new Whispers and Aquaclears. They've
all quieted down after running for a month or two, but they never get
down to the virtual silence of the old ones.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 22:04:50 GMT, Altum >
wrote:

>David McDermott wrote:
>> Thanks for the info, it helps a lot! I've read about folks who have gone so
>> far as to slice the bag open and refill the carbon. Is this even feasable
>> (or necessary), or will there be nothing left of the thing by the time the
>> carbon runs out?
>
>Carbon is usually spent after about a month, while the bag is perfectly
>fine. That's why people slice them open. (Or why people like me use
>Aquaclears with separate biofiltration and carbon.)

Please, someone point me to a Whisper biobag that is not open on one
end. And Whispers, by the way, have separate biofiltration and carbon.
The carbon is in the mechanical filter bag and the biofilter is a
large sponge that is never disturbed. And doesn't need rinsing because
it doesn't get clogged.

-- Mister Gardener

[Nikki]

"Frederick B. Henry Jr." > wrote in message
...
> On 2006-04-21, Mister Gardener > wrote:
>> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:
>>
>> This is the second time today I've run across a new Whisper owner. My
>> first advice is RTFM, (read the fine manual). I don't mean to be
>> caustic, but the instructions that came with the filter are really
>> pretty thorough. Your Whisper comes with a brown flat sponge, around
>> post card size, maybe 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. That sponge slides in
>> between the white biobag and the waterfall outlet into the tank.
>
> Hey Mister Gardener... (I assume you are referring to me as the second
> newbie Whisper owner) I come from the land of UNIX where reading the
> f*****g manual is pretty much well-ingrained. And so, with my Whisper,
> I did indeed read the (not so) fine manual. Alas, with my Whisper
> Power filter for 5 - 15 gallon tanks the Biobag is one piece...there is
> no seperate sponge outside of it. So unless the manual is completely
> mistaken, and/or I was sold a broken product...I just have one bag in my
> filter, with no instructions or indications for a separate sponge
> sitting alongside it. I am talking one piece here in the filter
> chamber...one biobag...if there are parts I am missing please let me
> know...given my extended tank cycling epic!
>
>> The sponge fits in a black plastic frame....
>
> *In* the frame or *beside* it as per your quoted post above?
>
> Confused and worried...
>
>
> Best,
>
> Fred
>
> --
> "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after."

> --Alphonse Allais

I think Mr. G uses the double sided whispers as i do, i only have a couple
small ones for smaller tanks but i think the older ones dont come with the
sponge, i thought the new ones did (its been a while since i bought one) .
On the double sided whisper there is a slot for your sponge and a the filter
bag ....they go one in front of the other
and your doing better then me im lucky if i remember to change my bag once a
month and i lose the stupid clip all the time.
Nik

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 23:32:53 -0000, "Frederick B. Henry Jr."
> wrote:

>On 2006-04-21, Mister Gardener > wrote:
>> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:
>>
>> This is the second time today I've run across a new Whisper owner. My
>> first advice is RTFM, (read the fine manual). I don't mean to be
>> caustic, but the instructions that came with the filter are really
>> pretty thorough. Your Whisper comes with a brown flat sponge, around
>> post card size, maybe 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. That sponge slides in
>> between the white biobag and the waterfall outlet into the tank.
>
>Hey Mister Gardener... (I assume you are referring to me as the second
>newbie Whisper owner) I come from the land of UNIX where reading the
>f*****g manual is pretty much well-ingrained. And so, with my Whisper,
>I did indeed read the (not so) fine manual. Alas, with my Whisper
>Power filter for 5 - 15 gallon tanks the Biobag is one piece...there is
>no seperate sponge outside of it. So unless the manual is completely
>mistaken, and/or I was sold a broken product...I just have one bag in my
>filter, with no instructions or indications for a separate sponge
>sitting alongside it. I am talking one piece here in the filter
>chamber...one biobag...if there are parts I am missing please let me
>know...given my extended tank cycling epic!
>
>> The sponge fits in a black plastic frame....
>
>*In* the frame or *beside* it as per your quoted post above?
>
>Confused and worried...
>
>
>Best,
>
>Fred
Hey - the land of UNIX! I remember cutting my teeth on Delphi out of
Boston. And what a big deal it was when we were the first online
service to offer an easy gateway to the Usenet groups and Archie and
Veronica and all that. I gotta run over to the Tetra page and look up
your model - brb - -

OK. Just got back from Drs Foster & Smith - if your whisper power
hangs outside of the tank it looks like it would be a model 10 or 20
(aka junior or compact). I'm on this page:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3643&N=2004+22769

You can click the more information button for more information. Makes
sense. According to the descriptions, all whisper power filters have a
bio sponge. I own recent models of their 20, 30, 40, and 60 model and
all have sponges.

Oh! Hey! Click on "Other Views" and there is a beautiful detailed
picture of the sponge, frame and biobag assembly.

I have no experience with the new whisper INTERNAL filters, yours
isn't internal is it? They're totally different than the power
filters.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 19:59:09 -0400, "Nikki"
> wrote:

>
>"Frederick B. Henry Jr." > wrote in message
...
>> On 2006-04-21, Mister Gardener > wrote:
>>> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:
>>>
>>> This is the second time today I've run across a new Whisper owner. My
>>> first advice is RTFM, (read the fine manual). I don't mean to be
>>> caustic, but the instructions that came with the filter are really
>>> pretty thorough. Your Whisper comes with a brown flat sponge, around
>>> post card size, maybe 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. That sponge slides in
>>> between the white biobag and the waterfall outlet into the tank.
>>
>> Hey Mister Gardener... (I assume you are referring to me as the second
>> newbie Whisper owner) I come from the land of UNIX where reading the
>> f*****g manual is pretty much well-ingrained. And so, with my Whisper,
>> I did indeed read the (not so) fine manual. Alas, with my Whisper
>> Power filter for 5 - 15 gallon tanks the Biobag is one piece...there is
>> no seperate sponge outside of it. So unless the manual is completely
>> mistaken, and/or I was sold a broken product...I just have one bag in my
>> filter, with no instructions or indications for a separate sponge
>> sitting alongside it. I am talking one piece here in the filter
>> chamber...one biobag...if there are parts I am missing please let me
>> know...given my extended tank cycling epic!
>>
>>> The sponge fits in a black plastic frame....
>>
>> *In* the frame or *beside* it as per your quoted post above?
>>
>> Confused and worried...
>>
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Fred
>>
>> --
>> "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after."
>
>> --Alphonse Allais
>
>I think Mr. G uses the double sided whispers as i do, i only have a couple
>small ones for smaller tanks but i think the older ones dont come with the
>sponge, i thought the new ones did (its been a while since i bought one) .
>On the double sided whisper there is a slot for your sponge and a the filter
>bag ....they go one in front of the other
>and your doing better then me im lucky if i remember to change my bag once a
>month and i lose the stupid clip all the time.
>Nik
>
Nikki - I think I have every size that Whisper has ever made, except
for the smallest, the 10. (and a couple of embarrassingly bad designs
that Whisper removed from the market the same year they introduced
them). The inclusion of the sponge began around 10 years ago, iir.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:20:24 -0400, Mister Gardener
> wrote:

>On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 23:32:53 -0000, "Frederick B. Henry Jr."
> wrote:
>
>>On 2006-04-21, Mister Gardener > wrote:
>>> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:
>>>
>>> This is the second time today I've run across a new Whisper owner. My
>>> first advice is RTFM, (read the fine manual). I don't mean to be
>>> caustic, but the instructions that came with the filter are really
>>> pretty thorough. Your Whisper comes with a brown flat sponge, around
>>> post card size, maybe 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick. That sponge slides in
>>> between the white biobag and the waterfall outlet into the tank.
>>
>>Hey Mister Gardener... (I assume you are referring to me as the second
>>newbie Whisper owner) I come from the land of UNIX where reading the
>>f*****g manual is pretty much well-ingrained. And so, with my Whisper,
>>I did indeed read the (not so) fine manual. Alas, with my Whisper
>>Power filter for 5 - 15 gallon tanks the Biobag is one piece...there is
>>no seperate sponge outside of it. So unless the manual is completely
>>mistaken, and/or I was sold a broken product...I just have one bag in my
>>filter, with no instructions or indications for a separate sponge
>>sitting alongside it. I am talking one piece here in the filter
>>chamber...one biobag...if there are parts I am missing please let me
>>know...given my extended tank cycling epic!
>>
>>> The sponge fits in a black plastic frame....
>>
>>*In* the frame or *beside* it as per your quoted post above?
>>
>>Confused and worried...
>>
>>
>>Best,
>>
>>Fred
>Hey - the land of UNIX! I remember cutting my teeth on Delphi out of
>Boston. And what a big deal it was when we were the first online
>service to offer an easy gateway to the Usenet groups and Archie and
>Veronica and all that. I gotta run over to the Tetra page and look up
>your model - brb - -
>
>OK. Just got back from Drs Foster & Smith - if your whisper power
>hangs outside of the tank it looks like it would be a model 10 or 20
>(aka junior or compact). I'm on this page:
>http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3643&N=2004+22769
>
>You can click the more information button for more information. Makes
>sense. According to the descriptions, all whisper power filters have a
>bio sponge. I own recent models of their 20, 30, 40, and 60 model and
>all have sponges.
>
> Oh! Hey! Click on "Other Views" and there is a beautiful detailed
>picture of the sponge, frame and biobag assembly.
>
>I have no experience with the new whisper INTERNAL filters, yours
>isn't internal is it? They're totally different than the power
>filters.
>
>-- Mister Gardener
Depending on how quickly you do or don't get back to me, I'm logging
off for the night in a few minutes. This is, after all, Red Sox
Nation, and we have our priorities to consider.

-- Mister Gardener

[Altum]

Mister Gardener wrote:
> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 22:04:50 GMT, Altum >
> wrote:
>
>> David McDermott wrote:
>>> Thanks for the info, it helps a lot! I've read about folks who have gone so
>>> far as to slice the bag open and refill the carbon. Is this even feasable
>>> (or necessary), or will there be nothing left of the thing by the time the
>>> carbon runs out?
>> Carbon is usually spent after about a month, while the bag is perfectly
>> fine. That's why people slice them open. (Or why people like me use
>> Aquaclears with separate biofiltration and carbon.)
>
> Please, someone point me to a Whisper biobag that is not open on one
> end. And Whispers, by the way, have separate biofiltration and carbon.
> The carbon is in the mechanical filter bag and the biofilter is a
> large sponge that is never disturbed. And doesn't need rinsing because
> it doesn't get clogged.

Maybe I'm confusing it with Penguin cartridges. I dunno. I've never
owned a filter with disposable parts other than a bag of carbon.

--
Put the word aquaria in the subject to email me.
Did you read the FAQ? http://faq.thekrib.com

[Mister Gardener]

On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 00:38:26 GMT, Altum >
wrote:

>Mister Gardener wrote:
>> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 22:04:50 GMT, Altum >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> David McDermott wrote:
>>>> Thanks for the info, it helps a lot! I've read about folks who have gone so
>>>> far as to slice the bag open and refill the carbon. Is this even feasable
>>>> (or necessary), or will there be nothing left of the thing by the time the
>>>> carbon runs out?
>>> Carbon is usually spent after about a month, while the bag is perfectly
>>> fine. That's why people slice them open. (Or why people like me use
>>> Aquaclears with separate biofiltration and carbon.)
>>
>> Please, someone point me to a Whisper biobag that is not open on one
>> end. And Whispers, by the way, have separate biofiltration and carbon.
>> The carbon is in the mechanical filter bag and the biofilter is a
>> large sponge that is never disturbed. And doesn't need rinsing because
>> it doesn't get clogged.
>
>Maybe I'm confusing it with Penguin cartridges. I dunno. I've never
>owned a filter with disposable parts other than a bag of carbon.

Penguin makes sealed filter bags, and the company that is making
aftermarket bags for Penguin, Whisper and some others are making
penguin style sealed bags for these other products. There are two or
three "generics" that I've seen - I didn't see any real price
advantage for the Whisper version, Drs Foster and Smith carry at least
one of those lines.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:

>I am starting a new 10 gal tank (it's almost 2 weeks old). Just wondering
>if it advisable to clean the filter at all during cycling or just leave it
>be? Thus far it is showing now signs of clogging so I'm thinking I should
>just leave it. Any thoughts? Will it need at least a quick rinsing during
>the cycle?
>
>Also it is a Whisper filter and I am new to that brand. What is the best
>way to clean those and replace the media without losing the bacteria? I've
>read over a few different strategies on this and some seem to require
>advanced surgical skills to pull off. I'm already kind of questioning my
>decision to get the whisper, but surely there is an easier way to clean
>them...
>
Good Morning, David. I just scrolled through last nights extended
discussion on Whisper filters and noticed that I must have had a long
day, (this was true), and I was letting my tiredness and frustration
leak into some of my postings. Several people contributed to the
thread and the longer we went, the further we seemed to drift from
your original question. So. Did your questions get answered?

And will you, as well as anyone else who confused me, please tell me
the model number of your Whisper? The older models were 1,2,3,4, etc,
the newer models are 10,20,30, etc. The Tetratecs might say whisper on
them, I can't remember, but they, like the inside whispers, are
totally different from the HOB power filters that, I think, we were
discussing. Whisper and a couple of other big companies have been
offering sophisticated looking inside filters, far more than the
traditional box filters, and if anyone has experience with any of
these new breed inside filters, from any manufacturer, I would love to
hear about them.

-- Mister Gardener

[David McDermott]

Yes, I think I understand now. The filter just got turned on 2 weeks ago so
from the sounds of things I still have a couple of weeks before maintenance
is necessary, then it seems to be a consensus that it is not that difficult
to replace the chemical media.

Thanks everyone!
"Mister Gardener" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT, "David McDermott"
> > wrote:
>
>>I am starting a new 10 gal tank (it's almost 2 weeks old). Just wondering
>>if it advisable to clean the filter at all during cycling or just leave it
>>be? Thus far it is showing now signs of clogging so I'm thinking I should
>>just leave it. Any thoughts? Will it need at least a quick rinsing during
>>the cycle?
>>
>>Also it is a Whisper filter and I am new to that brand. What is the best
>>way to clean those and replace the media without losing the bacteria?
>>I've
>>read over a few different strategies on this and some seem to require
>>advanced surgical skills to pull off. I'm already kind of questioning my
>>decision to get the whisper, but surely there is an easier way to clean
>>them...
>>
> Good Morning, David. I just scrolled through last nights extended
> discussion on Whisper filters and noticed that I must have had a long
> day, (this was true), and I was letting my tiredness and frustration
> leak into some of my postings. Several people contributed to the
> thread and the longer we went, the further we seemed to drift from
> your original question. So. Did your questions get answered?
>
> And will you, as well as anyone else who confused me, please tell me
> the model number of your Whisper? The older models were 1,2,3,4, etc,
> the newer models are 10,20,30, etc. The Tetratecs might say whisper on
> them, I can't remember, but they, like the inside whispers, are
> totally different from the HOB power filters that, I think, we were
> discussing. Whisper and a couple of other big companies have been
> offering sophisticated looking inside filters, far more than the
> traditional box filters, and if anyone has experience with any of
> these new breed inside filters, from any manufacturer, I would love to
> hear about them.
>
> -- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Mon, 24 Apr 2006 21:29:10 GMT, "David McDermott"
> wrote:

>OK, let's make sure I've got this straight. I can unclip the bag and it is
>actually an open ended bag so basically all I have to do is dump out the old
>contents and add new carbon, then re-clip it all together? If so, too easy,
>I shouldn't be complaining!

If it is a Whisper biobag you are talking about, Yes. I can't remember
the rest of this thread, I think it began on the night when my brain
wanted sleep and I wanted to keep typing. But we established that you
should not be cleaning your filter or changing medium during cycling.
Right? Right. When you are changing the contents of the biobag, you
can swirl the maybe dirty bag around in some used aquarium water to
rinse off the heavy stuff, if there is any, but don't try to get it
too clean and don't rinse it with chlorinated water. Warm. Not cold or
hot. And don't lose that little clip.


-- Mister Gardener