Noob question

I am wondering what is the best way for changing out the cartridges. i change them every month or less if they look bad. But the question is what is standard protocol for putting in the new ones. Should I change one at a time over a weeks time? Both at the same time. Leave the new ones in with the old for a few days? I am going to get a canister filter soon but until then I want to make sure I'm not doing it wrong

 

The cartridges on what? lol

your printer ? lmao

 

Honestly it depends on the size of your tank, livestock insidide, and even your own opinion. Also what type of filter is it usually bigger filters don't require such sudden changes in the cartridges.

Regardless of the size maybe every 3 weeks unless your stacked with money to blow lol.

 

You really don't want to change them all at the same time if you can help it. The reason being that they have some of your beneficial bactweria oin them. If they are your primry means of filtraion, you could put your tank through a mini-cycle everytime you change them all out at the same time.

i would advise against the canister filter. Unless you keep them really clean, they can quickly become a nitrate factory. I would instead spend the money on live rock or a protein skimmer if you don't already have one or the other or both. Also, in the marine aquarium live rock is usually the primary means of biological filtration as well.
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Newreef your an idiot.

I do have LR and a skimmer. Rated for over double what my tank is.