Filter question...Aquaclear

sueglancy

sueglancy

AC Members
Feb 7, 2005
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I have an Aquaclear 50 filter for my 20 gallon tank. The instructions say to replace the sponge every 2 months, the carbon every month and the biomax every 3 months. Is this really necessary? I've heard to keep reusing the sponge until it deteriorates and is no longer usable (just rinse in tank water at every water change). Is this good advice? What about the carbon and biomax? Thanks.
 
If you need to run carbon, it will need to be replaced more than monthly to remain active. Sponges are fine to just rinse off. Bio-Max is the ceramic media, right? If so, just rinse it in clean water to remove any solid debris--though this should be minimal as the sponge should catch most of it. It should not require replacing, really, though the biofilm can clog the pores and reduce the amount of available space.
 
Yes, Biomax is the ceramic media. Thanks for the advice. So would you suggest replacing the biomax since it can become clogged over time? I have 2 goldfish so I imagine my filter media is/will be pretty dirty. Is carbon only really necessary to keep water clear or does it have other benefits? Thanks.
 
I have the bio max on 2 tanks, and I just rinse it clean and put it back in--done this for about 6 months now, haven't seen any problems. I plan on replacing it once a year, since the netting seems to start fraying and discoloring.

Carbon removes some things from the water, but really is only needed when you know there's a specific need--ie, tannins from driftwood, or medications. Otherwise, you don't have to use it. Regular water changes and cleaning will keep the tank healthy.
 
I don't use the carbon at all... just have two sponges and one biomax in the filter. Rinse at each water change, and I haven't had any problems yet. And at the point that I need to replace a sponge (when it starts falling apart), I just replace one at a time.
 
Just my two cents. I use Aquaclears and run them all with 2 sponges, nothing else. At water changes I rinse the bottom one in the old tank water, Just a couple squeezes, move the top one down and put the rinsed one on top. In 7 years I yet to replace a sponge
 
Wouldn't the sponge degrade within at least one year?
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Some will some won't, some do some don't. It all depends on the sponge, and the wa it's handled. I run mine through the maytag pretty frequently, so they don't last as long as they would for other folks, but it's so much easier to clean them that way it's worth the extra $2-$3 a month. My coarser sponges seem to last forever even with the washing machine treatment.
Dave
 
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