Guess I've just been very lucky with previous aquariums, never had a minutes trouble out of them until this one.... I believe I've got the "cycling" thing figured out now, but have come upon a new question.

This tank is a 10gal that came with an aqueon hang on the back filter with removable filter pads. Once I've found that my tank has completed it's cycle, what about filter replacement ?

Just pop a new one in ?
Float the new filter for a period of time before installing ?
Will this cause the tank to have to start a cycle over again ?
Finally, once the tank has cycled, how often to do water changes ? Still weekly 10-20% I suppose ?

Thanks

The best thing to do is to stagger the filter replacement if you need to replace. Just don't do all at once. You don't need to float, but you should rinse them.

What type of material is used? If the filter is in good shape just rinse it in tank water when you're performing water changes, or you can put some fresh water in a bucket with conditioner and rinse it out there and re-use the filter. Just don't rinse directly with your tap as the chlorine in your water will kill the beneficial bacteria in it. I have sponge filters on a HOB filter that I have used for over a year and it is still in good shape.

These filters have a dense white spidery-web like covering over them with what I'd probably say is charcoal in the center of them. I just remember from my previous aquariums that the similar filters would eventually get black looking and clogged up. I'd just change one out at that time with a new one and never had any problem, this tank looks like it's going to test my every move.....

In that case and if it were me, I'd get some of the filter pad stuff they sell at fish stores and make my own filters pads and just replace as needed. Use the charcoal when you need it, but not use that type all the time. Charcoal is not needed to be run all the time and is only really effective for about 2wks.