I Think I Finally Got It!

[snoopy65]

I started a thread earlier about media. After reading some more, I think I understand. The light bulb went off! I have kept tanks for a few years and have done the wc and used carbon but never really understood why.

The filter is used to clean the "larger" stuff out of the water and to "store" bacteria that turns ammonia into nitrites, nitrites into nitrates. Water changes & vacuuming get rid of the dead stuff & nitrates, which live plants can do to some extent as well (nitrates).

It doesn't really matter which choice of media as long as it has a large surface area to hold the bacteria and is rinsed then replaced from time to time, being careful to always keep some of the media so that you do not break the cycle in the tank.

Keep carbon on hand in case it is needed to remove meds after treating the tank but is not necessary day to day.

Does this sound about right? Did I miss anything?

 

[pcfriedrich]

I think you got it.


there's really no need to replace any filter media, unless it is just rotting away.

 

[Bawb2u]

Sound right and don't forget that cleaning filters is mainly to get the "big stuff" out of your water. Many people don't make the mental connection that even though you can't see the stuff that mechanical filtration takes out of your tank, it's still in your total water volume, messing with your nitrate balance.

 

[snoopy65]

I have a magnum 350 canister. So as long as I do my water changes regularly, and rinse / change the sleeve regularly, but only swish the media inside the container in non chlorine water (changing only up to 50% of it on occasion), my fish should be happy!

That is right up until they throw me a curve. lol

 

[Dr Joe]

You get a gold star and can move to the head of the class!

Dr Joe

.

 

[dr_sudz]

Yup your right on track there.

 

[snoopy65]

It took me long enough.