Filter Media Cleaning...what's the best mix

jere1558

jere1558

AC Members
Dec 14, 2006
354
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Pennsylvania
I do 50% water changes with gravel vac every week. What I need to know is when to rinse the filter media (using decanted tank water). I figure, based on info on this site, that I should only change the media when it's "falling apart". And, only one type at a time so as not to initiate a mini cycle.

What's the best way to know if and when to rinse the filter and media?
 
Is this an HOB we are talking about? If so, if you see the overflow passing water, then it is time to do a "swish" clean of it in the used tank water, then reinstall.

Replace it when it is falling apart.
 
not HOB. 55g has fluval 405 canister, 37 has fluval 304 canister. i hate taking these puppies to the sink for cleaning. if I don't have to do this every 2 weeks, I'm diggin it!
 
Okay...but I'm giong to cause controversy here.

Most folks on here, from what I have seen in threads, rarely clean their canister filters, some on the scale of several months. If that works for them, then fine by me. :)

I do most of mine weekly, but I run carbon, which a lot of folks don't. On the canisters that don't have carbon, I pull and rinse the pre filters every two weeks, so I am not getting reduced flow.

Your nitrate readings should give you an indication of this, or experience in the long run. I seldom test water anymore.

I do not get spikes of any type, doing complete weekly breakdowns, of carbon or non-carbon filters in untreated water.
 
I test water weekly, before and after water changes. I have not had a problem in weeks and weeks. I had a nitrite spike about 2 months ago, unknown cause. 405 on this tank is only about 6 weeks running. Now, when I have water probs (rarely) i test my tap water also. most are attibutible to that.

In fact, had a freak pH prob this am....1st test showed 6.2 pH (normal is about 6.8). Tested tap water, 6.8, tested 2nd tank, 6.8, second test on 55 6.8, 3rd test on 55, 6.8. Who knows. I just learned if something is way off scale the first time, test again.

If I can go a month between filter media rinsing, great!
 
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