Do I need to change Biological Media?

[MCHRKiller]

I try to get my tanks filter systems to about the most economical way possible, I only use Ehfilav and ceramic rings, and of course foam blocks. Ive yet to replace any of that and some of its been in use for several years. Just rinse it out and go on, I do use poly fill for water polishing but its cheap as hell so I just discard all of it

 

[JEAE21]

Hey do I need to change the filstar micro-filtration pads? is it mechanical media?

and do i have to change these?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12743&Ntt=porous%20ceramic%20media%208%2D1%2F2%20oz&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

and the biomate solid?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

 

[tapeworm]

The micro filtration pads are usually trash when they are clogged. And as far as the ceramic rings, keep those, just rinse them if you need to, to take out all of the unnecessary debris that builds on them from time to time.

 

[JEAE21]

tapeworm..now you're really confusing me..
what did you mean by add bio media then, if you're telling me to rinse?

and are the micro filtration pads, mechanical media?

 

[frasertheking]

micro filter pads have a very fine pores and are only good if cleaned often and water polishing . when rinsing use tank water as this will not kill the bb .
this is to remove rubbish build up that will rot in the filter causing excess nitrates .
i never use any chemical filtration

 

[Pufferpunk]

Stir up gravel & drain. I moved it all over to one side.

 

[tapeworm]

pm sent

 

[JEAE21]

micro filter pads have a very fine pores and are only good if cleaned often and water polishing . when rinsing use tank water as this will not kill the bb .
this is to remove rubbish build up that will rot in the filter causing excess nitrates .
i never use any chemical filtration

what is water polishing? do I add some chemicals to the water?

 

[tapeworm]

The finer the pores on the foam/sponge the cleaner the water is. This is often referred to as polishing (finely cleaning) the water. The fine pores are essentially removing all the little trash floating in the tank, making it appear very clean, as if polishing it. And you don't need to add any chemicals.

 

[JEAE21]

thanks!

oh and i was thinking, if I have chemical media in my filter..wouldn't it be a waste to put de-chlorinazors, and PH buffer chemicals..?
I mean the fitler is gonna suck it all up right?

does it take in chlorine from tap water?