Changing filter media

[pcfriedrich]

Just trying to get a feel for whether or not people actually change their mechanical filter media, or just rinse it out.

of course, you should never change your biological filtration, and you should always change your carbon (if you use it), but does a mechanical filter really lose its effectiveness over time?

it seems that, if anything, it should be better (for BB colonies) to simply rinse out your filter media and re-use it.

 

[ITHURTZ]

Iv been using mine for over 2 years. Its not white anymore, but its close. As long as it keeps flowing water I will keep it.

 

[pcfriedrich]

I went almost a year without changing mine, and then noticed the package of the new media I bought said "change every 2-4 weeks. they're just trying to sell me stuff. From now on, I'm only using green scrub pads, wrapped in quilt batting.

 

[ITHURTZ]

There idea is for idiots. Everytime it gets dirty throw it out and buy a new one! Change filter, bio bacteria dies, fish die, more money for the store and companies!

 

[Fishermoe14]

i just hose down the filter cartrigdes once a month.. or when they get pretty clogged. i know its killing the bb on there but i have plenty more and i never have crashed a cycle by doing this..

 

[crisper]

I hav'nt changed the sponges in my filters in over a year now.I just rinse in a bucket filled with tank water until the water runs clear.Then back in the filters they go. No problems so far. It's just a cash grab by the filter manufacturers telling you to replace every month or whatever.

 

[groovitudedude]

I replace my cartridges. I never rinse them out.

 

[chesterthehero]

i never change it in my sump.. just add more.. i use the sponges to seed other tanks and from time to time end up using them to clean stuff

in the smaller tanks with hob filters i rinse them out till they fall apart... ive slowly been switching over to using sponges and this other (air) filter stuff that does a great job polishing the water