FX5 filter basket Qs

[slipgate]

On my last FX5 filter cleanout, I cleaned the outer sponges and all baskets accept the bio media basket which is on the bottom of the stack. The middle basket I now keep empty and the top backet I put charcoal. Is this a good setup? I am thinking about adding bio-media to the 2nd basket.

Also how often do you have to replace the outer filter sponges? Can you just clean them forever?

 

[The Zigman]

I have been cleaning my outer foam for at least 2 years without replacing it.
its amazing how much gunk those foam blocks will hold.

I have ceramic prefilter media in the top tray, I have 2 fine filter pads in the middle tray, and Biomax in the bottom tray... Been working out pretty well for me.