Filters?

[abesapian]

A similar question is already posted about replacing filters. The people who answered talked about cleaning filters in old tank water to get rid of the "gunk". I want to know when to replace the filter witha brand new one? And should I replace foam and carbon bag at the same time or does one typicaly last long than the other? and any precautions that should be taken.


Thanks for any replies

p.s. I have a aquaclear 300 filter with a 55 gal. tank

[Blinky]

I never replace the foam blocks in my AquaClear filters. Just rinse them in a bucket of tank water when they get dirty - they house large colonies of beneficial bacteria, so if you can avoid replacing them it's best. Using some floss/fine foam at the bottom of the filter basket will help keep the foam blocks clean by trapping small debris before it can get into the foam. Just rinse/replace the floss when it gets dirty.
If you're using carbon continuously just change the bag every couple weeks - it doesn't last very long.