Hey I have had a Rena Filstar XP3 sitting unused for about 3 months. My question is can I use the media that was in the canister - what kind of cleaning process do I need to do to the media if I can use it? I will be using the filter on a well established tank. I just had a different filter go bad on me and I want to hook this filter up but am worried about bad bacteria growth in the media. When I unhooked this filter all i did was empty the water that was in it and lightly rinse it out and put it in the basement. Please advise.
New media needed?
- Thread starter Jaybird1
- Start date
I wouldnt worry about it too much...just clean all of the sponges and bio media with hot tap water....if your worried about pathogens then a mild bleach solution to soak in would be fine too...just make sure if you are using bleach that before you turn your filter on there is no bleach smell remaining anywhere! Think of cleaning your filter like you would a rock you bought from a store....
Also...if I am bleaching something...after I completely rinse whatever off...I soak it in a tap water solution with a capful of prime to remove any remaining chlorine!
Also...if I am bleaching something...after I completely rinse whatever off...I soak it in a tap water solution with a capful of prime to remove any remaining chlorine!
Jaybird1;4365161; said:
Why not take the media out of the filter that "went bad" and add them to the new filter?? No cycle, no worries.
Dude, you're totally fine. Bio media like sponges and bioballs just rinse, soak, in hot water etc. Replace mechanical elements like floss and pads (unless they are also easy to rinse). I'd replace any charcoal or other chemical media unless it is rechargeable. But I re-enlist old filters all the time with a good hot scrubbing and quick plug-in test with hot water to make sure everything that will get spit out does get spit out before it goes on the tank. The only hazards you might face are a few dead bacteria or old bits of algae, which a healthy tank can handle (but won't have to if you do a really good job of rinsing squeezing, etc.). I've had the same ten or so aquaclear sponges almost as long as I've been serious about keeping, and they sometimes sit for a year or more if I've downsized. It's no big deal, man. Save your money and keep your bio at least for sure.
Thanks for the reply's I just was not 100% sure if it would be safe. I was concerened if there was mold or any problems. I really would like to stay away from any kind of chemical cleaning so I will stick to the hot water rinse and do this repeatedly.