This may be related to the last thread I commented in here, just below this one, in which we were discussing filter media and the like, but it got me concerned after what a Seachem rep told me...so I figured I'd run it past you folks.
The last time I checked on the media inside my AquaClear 110 -- which is stacked with the foam block, then a folded layer of floss and then the bio rings -- it seems the floss got all gunked up and stained with stuff that doesn't want to come out after dunking it in removed tank water. There are also black spots throughout the floss, and when I asked my Seachem contact about this, he said:
You don't want to be rinsing the floss and reusing it; you should be tossing it and replacing it each time. Also, any black spots indicate anaerobic conditions, which are baaaaad news in a filter. I'd recommend getting a big bag of Polyfil (polyester pillow stuffing) from a hobby or fabric store and replacing it every other day.
When I did a little searching online, I didn't really find much about black spots in filter media being "anaerobic bacteria" or that it was even harmful, as suggested; can anyone lend any insight here with regard to this? Do I need to completely remove the floss layer in the AC110 and replace it with fresh, as he recommended? I can't see doing this EVERY time I do filter maintenance, or replacing the pillow stuffing every other day...
Is this necessary? Can I continue rinsing the floss in tank water, or can I try running it under the tap or a strong hose to get it clean (I assume most of my BB is living in the sponge and bio rings)?
I guess I will eventually get the Purigen to take the place of the floss, but what of Seachem's claim that these black spots in the floss are bad?
This also brings something else up that I'm now concerned with -- since the cartridges in my other filter, an Aqueon 75, are of the carbon-stuffed-in-floss variety, do I need to stop reusing THOSE as well? Because right now, what I do is, when it's time to perform maintenance on the Aqueon, I just take the carts out and rinse/dunk them in removed tank water and then return them to the slots. I was told this was fine to do, as it keeps the bacteria safe while the floss is reused.
Is this not so?
The last time I checked on the media inside my AquaClear 110 -- which is stacked with the foam block, then a folded layer of floss and then the bio rings -- it seems the floss got all gunked up and stained with stuff that doesn't want to come out after dunking it in removed tank water. There are also black spots throughout the floss, and when I asked my Seachem contact about this, he said:
You don't want to be rinsing the floss and reusing it; you should be tossing it and replacing it each time. Also, any black spots indicate anaerobic conditions, which are baaaaad news in a filter. I'd recommend getting a big bag of Polyfil (polyester pillow stuffing) from a hobby or fabric store and replacing it every other day.
When I did a little searching online, I didn't really find much about black spots in filter media being "anaerobic bacteria" or that it was even harmful, as suggested; can anyone lend any insight here with regard to this? Do I need to completely remove the floss layer in the AC110 and replace it with fresh, as he recommended? I can't see doing this EVERY time I do filter maintenance, or replacing the pillow stuffing every other day...
Is this necessary? Can I continue rinsing the floss in tank water, or can I try running it under the tap or a strong hose to get it clean (I assume most of my BB is living in the sponge and bio rings)?
I guess I will eventually get the Purigen to take the place of the floss, but what of Seachem's claim that these black spots in the floss are bad?
This also brings something else up that I'm now concerned with -- since the cartridges in my other filter, an Aqueon 75, are of the carbon-stuffed-in-floss variety, do I need to stop reusing THOSE as well? Because right now, what I do is, when it's time to perform maintenance on the Aqueon, I just take the carts out and rinse/dunk them in removed tank water and then return them to the slots. I was told this was fine to do, as it keeps the bacteria safe while the floss is reused.
Is this not so?