How often do you clean/change your sponge filter?

[screaminleeman]

I dont think Sponge filters should be cleaned at all. It would kill the bacteria that is built up in there. Maybe squeeze it in the aquarium water but not actually cleaning it.

I agree,

I have been using sponge filters from the very beginning of entering this hobby (around two years ago). I have replaced two Hydro Zero sponges due to wear out, but I have NEVER cleaned a single one. I have dozens of IV's & V's that have been running for nearly two years without a cleaning or even in tank rinse!

 

[JML1997]

i clean mine once every two water changes, and replace it when it starts to fall apart.

 

[mshill90]

I clean mine like maybe once every 3 months.. Each AC I have has 3 bags of ceramic rings, so I actually clean the sponges in the sink.

If it's a tank I feed NLS to, I normally have to clean it sooner, and replace them sooner.

I replace mine not even every 6 months..

 

[J.Lake]

I keep a sponge filter in every tank. As a strict bio back up. I squeeze them in a bucket of tank water every 4 to 6 weeks.