Cleaning filter media

[catfishacr]

I've always cleaned filter media with tank water. Is it okay if I just Primed / dechlorinated some tap water and cleaned the sponges/media with the primed tap water? Thanks

 

[tlindsey]

I personally wouldn't do it , even though some of us almost do 100% wc's. I would be concerned about the bio- bacteria count .

 

[ska_kid]

for my old filter pads I would use water from the hose bcz of the pressure of the water would leave them clean

 

[pops]

if you treat the water first you would be fine, I personally clean all my filters and media in a 5g bucket while my 180 drains into it, so its always over flowing with water turn over in the bucket.

 

[pops]

for my old filter pads I would use water from the hose bcz of the pressure of the water would leave them clean

unless running untreated well water cleaning your filters,media and the such with tap water a no no, kills the bio filter.

 

[ska_kid]

on

unless running untreated well water cleaning your filters,media and the such with tap water a no no, kills the bio filter.

only filter pads not my media

 

[Drstrangelove]

In a pinch, I see no problem with using Primed water, however, I agree that I wouldn't do it. Cleaning is what I do with a WC, so there is a ton of completely serviceable water right there.

People do however have reasons to bleach articles like filter socks so it's hardly a disaster as long as pads aren't your primary source of BB (which in your case they should not be.)

Make sure not to forget however, as placing a filter pad back in after soaking it in chlorinated water seems like it can do some unwanted damage.

 

[DN328]

I've always cleaned filter media with tank water. Is it okay if I just Primed / dechlorinated some tap water and cleaned the sponges/media with the primed tap water? Thanks

I do typically clean my sump sock, sponge or felt pads with sprayed tap water. I do this for convenience and it cleans well.

I've only touched my biofilter media once in a year. I figure that this dedicated biofilter portion of my sump, along with the gravel, driftwood and plants in my tank is more than sufficient for my biofiltration and not too concerned with killing BB on mechanical media. But this may apply to my situation, and, understand why others advise general not to or use chemicals.

 

[smitty03281964]

You can treat the water with prime and be good. But why waste the money when nothing is better than rinsing filter media in seasoned tank water.

 

[xraycer]

Bacteria aren't as sensitive to chlorine as fish, particularly when the chlorine is at the level of city water, so they can withstand/survive a washing/cleaning. It will ultimately kill them, however, if you let the bio media soak for a prolong period of time in this untreated water. There are a number of seasoned members, on this site, that cleans filter materials using running water straight from the tap with no ill effect. I did this as well in the past when I was on city water. Today, I have well water