change out media?

[TheCanuck]

My first theory has to do with how bacteria grows on everything in the system and bio media is a bunch of hype...

But if/when you decide to use bio media, my theory in regards to that is to offer thorough mechanical filtration before the bio media...

So in addition to the coarse pad you may also want to add a finer pad and possibily quilt batting / filter fabric. Feel free to rinse, wash or repalce this stuff as needed to keep water flowing through it freely.

This is very true, if you can remove the waste before it breaks down your nitrates should be no problem. Water changes should control them no problem. Also you should only replace bio media year plus. Eventually bio media will smooth over and become much less effective.