Dirty filter media can just be rinsed in old tank water and reused until it is falling apart. Sponges are my favorite as they are the easiest to get clean IMO. I have had the same sponges for many years now.
As for changing media. In a healthy and cycled tank changing media is no problem. There are lots of bacteria living all over the tank that will compensate for the loss of themedia. If you have more than one piece of filter meida to replace then just replace them one at a time.
If you keep carbon at home for use in special circumstances then make sure to keep it in a couple of zip lock bags otherwise it will just grab impurities from the air and be useless.
As for changing media. In a healthy and cycled tank changing media is no problem. There are lots of bacteria living all over the tank that will compensate for the loss of themedia. If you have more than one piece of filter meida to replace then just replace them one at a time.
If you keep carbon at home for use in special circumstances then make sure to keep it in a couple of zip lock bags otherwise it will just grab impurities from the air and be useless.
