I have an Aquaclear 300 and I have been treating my tank for Ich. I noticed that the bio filter has been dyed green from the meds. Do i need to replace it or is it merely asthetics.
Filter replacement after meds
- Thread starter aquaboy
- Start date
You do not need to replace it. As always, you should rinse the bio filter with aquarium water and reuse it until its unusable. I've been using the same aquaclear sponges for years. I just give it a good wash with tap water every few months if it gets too gross. When you medicate, take out the carbon insert, but after you are done medicating and the fish are cured, put the carbon in again, it will help take out the excess meds. Just to let you know, AC has a new insert called "bio max" which is a pouch of ceramic noodles like they use in expensive canister filters. these u can wash and resuse like the sponge and u dnt have to replace them for like 8-9 months.
what is the "bio-max" good for, i have an aquaclear 500 and i took the carbon out and i have never put in the bio max insert (tank is only 2 months old) im just gonna buy another sponge and have two sponges running in there. i also have a topfin 60 running. but what is the bio max good for?
I would replace it. Some meds might still be in there, and mess up your water later on. And there is a small chance of any kind of ill effect on your fish.
"Bio-Max" is just like Eheims bio filteration media. Here is what I found:
"The BioMax Ceramic Rings in these inserts increase biological filtration efficiency by 30%. The surface of BioMax rings are made up of a pore system that allows beneficial bacteria to thrive. Enhances ammonia and nitrite reduction. Rinse insert monthly in aquarium water and replace every 3 months. Safe for fresh and saltwater use."
"Bio-Max" is just like Eheims bio filteration media. Here is what I found:
"The BioMax Ceramic Rings in these inserts increase biological filtration efficiency by 30%. The surface of BioMax rings are made up of a pore system that allows beneficial bacteria to thrive. Enhances ammonia and nitrite reduction. Rinse insert monthly in aquarium water and replace every 3 months. Safe for fresh and saltwater use."
cyberbeer65
Scratch Glass!
Just run with the two sponges. Have you seen the bio max packets..... 
Not very generous in the rings. The two sponges will hold more bacteria than the biomax. Especially the 500 sponges. Or you can always goto the store and by a small box of eheims efimech and a packet and make your own full to max bio-max packet.
Back in the day when I bought my first aquaclear. They actually use to tell you to use two sponges to increase the bacteria. Nowadays it's one sponge, and whatever the gimmick of the year is. It was carbon for a while then ammio-rid then it was the mix zeocarb and now it is bio-max.....BAH!!!
Two sponges is the way to go.
Not very generous in the rings. The two sponges will hold more bacteria than the biomax. Especially the 500 sponges. Or you can always goto the store and by a small box of eheims efimech and a packet and make your own full to max bio-max packet.Back in the day when I bought my first aquaclear. They actually use to tell you to use two sponges to increase the bacteria. Nowadays it's one sponge, and whatever the gimmick of the year is. It was carbon for a while then ammio-rid then it was the mix zeocarb and now it is bio-max.....BAH!!!
Two sponges is the way to go.