how often do you change media in filters

dsaavedra

dsaavedra

wild fish keeper
Dec 27, 2008
213
0
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i have an AC110 filter and if i remember correctly, in the instructions it says you should change the carbon every month, the sponge every two months, and the bio filter ever 3 months.

i was just wondering how often do you change the media in your power filters?

i was wondering if these 1 2 and 3 month guidelines are accurate, or if thats just aquaclear's way of trying to get you to buy more of their products.

i've had the tank set up for 2 months and i haven't changed any filter media. should i be changing stuff yet?
 
I never change filter media and thus rely heavily on the biological side. I only rinse the mechanical filters if they seem to be inhibiting flow. I think a lot of people do this. I have a planted freshwater with a canister filter. But have used HOB filters the same way.

Pepe
 
thats what i thought.

but what about carbon?

i know carbon actually does lose its effectiveness, but after how long?

and would it be cheaper to keep buying aquaclear carbon bags or get a re-useable bag and fill it with activated carbon that you buy in tubs?
 
I have AC filters, too, and I've stopped using the carbon altogether. I replace it with an extra foam layer, or just some cheap filter floss.
Many people only use carbon when they need to remove something specific from the water, like medications.
 
If you are going to run carbon, you need to replace it at minimum every two weeks. I would buy bulk carbon and make your own insert (media bag). I don't typically run carbon either unless removing meds, tannins, etc.
 
Personally I change my carbon every 3 to 4 weeks. Sponge I can't speak for, my filter doesn't have it. I'm baffled as to why the instructions would tell you to change your bio at all though, as this is where the colony grows, and taking it out would cause it to die, and you'd have to start your cycle all over again. So yes, I would guess they're just trying to make a buck in this regard.
 
I change the carbon in my AC 20 every three weeks: the bio-load is very light in that tank -- one betta and a shrimp in deep hiding. IIRC, I read somewhere that carbon looses its adsorptive capacity after two weeks, so it's really functioning only as biomedia at that point.

As for the sponges (I layer it sponge/carbon/sponge) I just rinse those out in old tank water once a month. I've never replaced them.
 
I do not change until there clogged. then I take one out at a time and change it. ( I have double filters on my tanks) so about ones every 4 months I dispose of the old and drop in a new filter floss. no carbon just a rolled out floss. my tanks are clean and perfect.
 
You should try buying some Purigen. It recharges and also helps with nitrates. You recharge once every 4-6 months with Prime.
 
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