Changing filter media.

T

theFinn

AC Members
Dec 29, 2003
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Edmonton, AB, Canada
www.thefinn.net
Just a quick question. How often should I change the filter media in my Aqua Clear 150?

The box says every 2 weeks or something stupid but it seems to me that is way too short a time. I've had the tank running for a couple months now and it's nice an stable but I've had the same filter media in there since day one and it's pretty gunky even after I clean it.

ALso, if I do replace it I'd put the new media in for a week or so then take the old stuff out eh? Let the bactiria get into the new media...right?

Thanks :)
 
What are you running? I use two sponges in all my AC's, and I replace a sponge about twice a year, when it has been rinsed enough that it's actually smaller and won't stay in place. I only replace one at a time, so there is always one established sponge in the tank. I also rinse my sponges very aggressivly--really twist and wring until the water runs clear. And yes, I do rinse them in the sink, with chlorinated water. The bacteria have never suffered--they are only exposed for a minute or two, not long enough to allow the dilute bleach to kill them off. I wouldn't do this in a new, unstable tank, but it works fine with my water and in my established tanks. YMMV.
 
Hi,
I agree with Orion Girl. I run an AC 500. I have had the carbon & sponge in mine. I just had a major tank problem because I got bad advice and changed the sponge & carbon at same time. Right now I am running the AC 500 with 1 sponge and a pile (as much as I could stuff in) of filter floss on top. I am trying to get the tank cleaned up. I lost 25% of my tank. I think I am going to do this from now on. (It is also a lot cheaper) I use to change carbon 1xmonth and sponge 1x every 3 months. Not anymore. Valuable lesson learned. Many thanks to AC for advise.
 
Hey OG, while we're on the topic of filters, are all your tanks well planted? If so, do you use the carbon package, I've read that activated carbon isn't great for planted tanks (absorbs chelated traces).

No, I wouldn't change my sponge every 2 weeks, that's just the people at AquaClear tryin' to sell more product. Rinse it good, it's just physical filtration anyway, as long as it's clean, fits the filter and free of debris, it's all good.

In theory, couldn't you sub in a bunch of filter wool instead of AC spunges?
 
I don't run carbon. Most my tanks are planted, and I only use carbon occassionally. Seldom, really. The filter wool works fine--it can be a pain to clean, and that's one of the things I really like about the sponges.
 
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