How often should i change BIOMAX?

P

PTGOLDFISH

AC Members
Mar 14, 2005
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i have my Fluval 404 for over 2 years now on my 70 Gal Goldfish tank. I realized i have never changed my original BIOMAX/Pre filter medium in this thing (other than thoroughly rinsing it once a month along with my monthly maintenace).

QuestionS:
1) Do i need to replace the rings with new ones?
2) Do they lose their effectiveness overtime?
3)Any good recommendations for alternatives to biomax rings? They are kind of expensive.
 
If these are similar to/the same as AC Biomax, you should never change them (unless you have EXTREME, re-occuring disease issues). Basically, they function as additional housing for your nitrifying bacteria, removing/changing them could throw off your balance and tee off a mini cycle.
 
benedictj said:
If these are similar to/the same as AC Biomax, you should never change them (unless you have EXTREME, re-occuring disease issues). Basically, they function as additional housing for your nitrifying bacteria, removing/changing them could throw off your balance and tee off a mini cycle.
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The BIOMAX in Fluval are white circular/tubular ceramic rocks (about 1/2 inch in length) with a hole in the middle. I am not sure if this the the same as AC Biomax. Where can i find the pictures or information for AC BioMax?

If i rinse them out monthly, doesn't that also disrupt the bacteria growth?
 
PTGOLDFISH said:
If i rinse them out monthly, doesn't that also disrupt the bacteria growth?
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It depends. If you rinse them in tank water they should be fine. If you rinse them in fresh, chlorinated, tap water they won't like it at all.
 
Aqualung said:
Basically the same - the only difference is that the fluval version have holes in the center.
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According to benedictj , we can use it for as long as possible (assuming they are used in a good environment free of disease, etc).

I am just curious...what is the life expectancy on the BioMax? If there isn't one, i will use them forever just to save costs. :)
 
Actually the AC biomax has holes in it, same stuff.

Neither has a 'life' like carbon. Biomax is made from some sort of inert ceramic material. Bacteria adhere to the surfaces, but not because the materila posseses some growth agent, it is merely because they are there. It functions in the same way as bioballs. So, in essence, the stuff probably wouldn't degrade in a lifetime.
 
The Biomax that came with my AC has no holes, but the stuff I got with the Fluval does. I bought the AC a year ago, so maybe they recently made a change.

I agree, there would probably never be a need to replace it.
 
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