Cleaning filter media?

[tcarswell]

but with bio balls it would be hard to clean a little at a time. you will always be taking the top layer to be cleaned and the bottom will never be cleaned. you would have to take all the bio balls out i think. if your tank is not overloaded do you think the gravel would have bacteria to keep the tank going. if you use your tank water bio balls should make a quick rebound as long as they don't dry out wright?

Siphon some in a bucket then use a colander and agitate the bio media with your hands in the tank water. Works for me and has worked since 95

 

[T1KARMANN]

bio balls don't work that well in a canister filter they work better in a sump or pond filter

the problem with them is they are plastic so when you wash them you wash off all the good bacteria

with other media like siporex or other glass or ceramic media if it holds some good bacteria when you clean it much like a sponge

i never find the need to wash my filters i just change the white pad and the blue pre filter every 6 months the siporex and substrate pro goes un touched

its always best to have 2 x canister filters then you can clean 1 and the other 1 is still strong

 

[ozpkchris]

good thread!

was about to ask a question about cleaning bioballs but this thread answered all my questions

the search button works !