How often to replace media in ac110?

[Ravemaster]

Hey all,
I bought an aquaclear 110 a while ago and had some questions about it.

How often should i replace the sponge, carbon, and bio inside it? My cousin recommended not to change the sponge or the bio ever and to change the carbon every 6 months. I was pretty acceptant to that but my fish have been getting more sick more often and i'm getting larger amounts of algae than usual.

So my question is, what is the optimal time betwen changing the carbon, sponge, and bio inside of an aquaclear 110?


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[strollo22]

I wouldn't run carbon at all. It can leak all the toxins back into the water and it serves no purpose other than removing meds. You could just reuse the sponges and clean them every month or so. I would never replace bio media, just rinse it in tank water in a bucket when you clean your sponges. If you remove the carbon, you could add another sponge for polishing or add more bio media.


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[Kaosu]

I wouldn't run carbon at all. It can leak all the toxins back into the water and it serves no purpose other than removing meds. You could just reuse the sponges and clean them every month or so. I would never replace bio media, just rinse it in tank water in a bucket when you clean your sponges. If you remove the carbon, you could add another sponge for polishing or add more bio media.


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agree with this post..just clean it out..only replace something when it falls apart...never had a filter sponge fall apart on me and iv had my canisters up for a few years.

and carbon is not needed.

 

[tdkee1]

toss the carbon. its a waste of money unless your trying to remove meds or tannins in the water from driftwood. I just use 2 sponges in my aqua clear 110's. the sponges act as bio and mechanical. if youre having algae problems, cut down on the length of time you have your lights on, feed less and be consistent on your water changes to keep you nitrates and phosphates low.

 

[West1]

I agree with everyone... and yes, Trash the carbon.

If your fish are getting more sick, it could be due to a lack of maintenance. Do you have gravel or anything at the bottom, do you clean that too?

Are you adding anything to tap water if your doing tap?

Over feeding causes illness too.

 

[ecoli73]

In general, always have some carbon available for emergency purposes(removal of chemical toxins(ammonia/nitrite not included) medicines etc), but don't use them except for special purposes.

 

[lp85253]

rinse the sponge once a month ...ditch the carbon...