Taking Care of Filter?

I am using an AquaClear 50 in my 15 gallon tank. The medium in the filter is a sponge thing, a bag of activated carbon, and these white cylinder things that are supposed to harbor bacteria for biological bacteria.

I have a few questions about how to take care of the filter.

For one, the instructions that came with the filter gives a suggested replacement plan - every month replace the carbon, every 2 months the sponge, and every 3 months the cylinder things. Should I follow these instructions - in particular, the timing they suggest? I know the carbon needs to be replaced regularly, but I thought that you shouldn't do anything with your biological filter (e.g. you never replace a biowheel unless it breaks).

Also, should I be washing the sponge on a regular basis? Like once a week or something? Or just replace it when they say to?

Blueiz said:

Rinse the filter media (sponge) in old tank water,or treated tap water.. replace it when its virtually faling apart. Never replace your cyclinder things, that is your biological filtration which contains all the bacteria that cycles your tank. As far as the carbon goes, its really pointless to use unless you are removing meds, tanins or odor from your tank, its not needed as a staple..

The companies that make the filters have to make money somehow, this is why they reccomend so much filter media replacement..IMO

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rinse it weekly?

and is there something that would be worth replacing the carbon with (i.e. some other type of medium)?

thanks