View Full Version : how often to replace filter floss
wildman117
08-23-2008, 5:09 PM
on my 55 bow front i have two Marineland Emperor Bio-Wheel 400 Power Filters that i have filter floss in and behind that i have sponges
i have heard alot that you shouldn't replace your biological medium but i am using this as a mechanical medium but i am wondering if i can replace all the filter floss periodically as it gets dirty and if that would really disrupt my bacteria colonies
i have tried just washing it out in tank water but it does not get all the dirt out of the floss so i want to know if i can change it out
thanks for the help in advance
Mgamer20o0
08-23-2008, 5:12 PM
some people just wash it i tend to toss it when ever it starts to clog.
wildman117
08-23-2008, 5:16 PM
thats what i was doing but then i started seeing people say you shouldn't change it out so i started to worry
excuzzzeme
08-23-2008, 5:17 PM
Your Bio-wheel takes care of filter bio-media. Toss the floss, I do and have no problems.
Mgamer20o0
08-23-2008, 5:19 PM
but there is good bacteria on everything in the filter. bacteria dont care and hook on to anything. if your worried take out half at a time or just clean it.
247Plants
08-23-2008, 5:34 PM
I toss it. No need to keep that ticking nitrate bomb in my filter.
WaywardSon
08-23-2008, 5:37 PM
I toss it. No need to keep that ticking nitrate bomb in my filter.
Certainly has a way with words - doesn't he? :rofl:
wildman117
08-23-2008, 5:42 PM
Certainly has a way with words - doesn't he? :rofl:
i think it is very poetic myself
Bobnova
08-23-2008, 11:51 PM
I rinse it out in a bucket of tank water, i don't see a point in chucking over half the bacteria in my filter (it should be noted that my penguin350 just has floss and the biowheels) when i can just rinse 'em out.
They slowly deteriorate though (which says something about the bacteria involved, as it's made out of plastic...), so every few(or lots of) months i replace one at a time.
The more often you rinse it the less often you'll need to replace them.
Reddog80p
08-24-2008, 1:00 AM
I toss mine every water change. Polyfil is cheap enough not to worry about. I run sponges, Polyfil and ceramic rings in my HOBS.
Rbishop
08-24-2008, 5:05 AM
I toss it add improve flow. Actually, it isn't a nitrate bomb at all. It is the food supply for your bacteria.
I rinse out my floss untill it starts looking frayed and worn. Then I replace it. Never worry about losing bacteria. Penty more in the biowheels, plants, gravel etc.