How often should the Media in a canaster filter...

[GuZZiZZiT]

Be replaced?

I dont mean the filter pads. I know that the filter pads need to be replaced often. I'm more interested in the Bio media (in my case, Eheim substrat pro). I was under the assumetion that it only needed to be rinsed with tank water to make sure water flow is not obstructed but some of the articles i've read suggest otherwise. One article i read suggested replacing half of the media (in that case just reffered to as sintered glass) every 2 weeks so you had brand new media every month.

Any thoughts?

 

[yehoshua]

It depends on stocking levels, but i"d change a part once or twice a year. Do it once a year. If you go with plastic media, you never need to change it-- just rinse.

 

[GuZZiZZiT]

Wow, not many votes.

 

[Marinemom]

I have had the same bio-media in my eheims for just about four years now and I have never replaced it. When I open the canisters for periodic maintenance, I do rinse this media off in some tank water. The only time you really need to replace the bio-media is if it is so old it is really just falling apart and turning to mush or some agent has gone through the media that cannnot be removed that would be harmful to your fish and/or plants.

Marinemom

 

[desertgoldhound]

I put never however it couldn't hurt to slowly change over to a new media becouse the stuff they come with isn't that great.

 

[GuZZiZZiT]

Thanks guys.

 

[amosf]

Probably needs another option like 'only when necessary'

I would only change biomedia if it was falling to pieces or looked hopelessly blocked and didn't rinse...

 

[GuZZiZZiT]

Amosf is right, the never option should also include an "only if the media is falling apart/deteriorating/infected/other".

 

[saganco]

My ceramic rings have been in my fluval 304 for almost two years and they are still just fine. I don't rinse in tank water though - just tap water. Is there a particular reason to use tap water? My tap water has no chlorine in it, it's well water. Good stuff, but is that ok? I love the literature that comes with the fluval - replace your bio-max every three months!! Marketing

 

[amosf]

I use tap water as well as our tap water is well water and it's the same water as in the tanks. parameters are about the same, and no chlorine to cause any problems.