So, all the filters I see recommend replacing the media every 3-4 weeks but alot of people here don't seem to do that. Here is what I have:
Whisper 10 (in 10g)
Whisper (hang on in tank) 3i (for 2.5g, currently in 10g)
coming via UPS:
Penguin mini (100gph model, for 10g, replacement for whisper 10)
Sponge filter (for whatever, maybe one of the additional 10g's I have in the garage)
bunch of filter floss
Right now I am trying to do a weekly rinses of the filter cartridge using water I took out of the tank. When I do this only a tiny bit of the gunk on the filter bag comes off in the sink. How long should I wait until I replace this? I have heard to just dump the carbon after a while, rinse the bag again and put that back in? I have also heard to keep the sponge in to retain the bacteria but I have no sponge and none of the filters I have or ordered (save for the spong filter itself) have sponges in them. Should I add one?
Also, I am getting replacement filter floss, can I use this? I was planning on using it mainly to cover the intake for my shrimps sake but what else can I use it for?
Last q... with the sponge filter do I just rinse that out every week or so? How long will it generally last?
Thanks for all the help!
Whisper 10 (in 10g)
Whisper (hang on in tank) 3i (for 2.5g, currently in 10g)
coming via UPS:
Penguin mini (100gph model, for 10g, replacement for whisper 10)
Sponge filter (for whatever, maybe one of the additional 10g's I have in the garage)
bunch of filter floss
Right now I am trying to do a weekly rinses of the filter cartridge using water I took out of the tank. When I do this only a tiny bit of the gunk on the filter bag comes off in the sink. How long should I wait until I replace this? I have heard to just dump the carbon after a while, rinse the bag again and put that back in? I have also heard to keep the sponge in to retain the bacteria but I have no sponge and none of the filters I have or ordered (save for the spong filter itself) have sponges in them. Should I add one?
Also, I am getting replacement filter floss, can I use this? I was planning on using it mainly to cover the intake for my shrimps sake but what else can I use it for?
Last q... with the sponge filter do I just rinse that out every week or so? How long will it generally last?
Thanks for all the help!