Cleaning power filter question

[jagarundi]

In cleaning my power filter, I wonder if I should clean out the gunk that resides in the bottom of the filter case? Should I leave that gunk there to keep up the bacteria levels? I've cleaned it each time I change my water, which is every Sunday.

 

[OrionGirl]

I always clean that out during my weekly water changes--never had any noticable impact on the bacteria populations. Most of that stuff are solid wastes, and while bacteria break them down to produce ammonia, it's not a needed part of the system--adds to the load of the ammonia produced by the fish, not a good thing.

 

[jagarundi]

I thought so! Thanks

 

[Blinky]

I clean mine out weekly too - just did it today, as a matter of fact