WaS a total newb 6 months ago. Didn't think about pre filter plus I had 20 cm turtle in the tank that's why I thought the rings might get cloged up with turtle crap.
Bad idea. How can something ceramic go bad? All the good bacteria grows on the rings (or most of it) and this bacteria breaks down bacteria for you. Basically it's like throwing out good apples. But the bacteria will never good bad. But it is not a bad idea to occasionally swish the bag in some tank water from your most current water change to get some uneeded mulm out.
if you throw them away it might be good for a little while,
But, it is like eating a bowl of jalapenos, Things you do today may burn your ass tomorrow!