Question about AquaClear filters

[aravenschild]

I use Aqua Clear filters on some of my tanks and have always replaced the sponge material every two to four weeks as needed, but on another web sight it says to just rinse the sponges out and re-use them until they fall apart. Some of the people on that sight have admitted to using the same filter sponges over and over for years.......Now I will admit to rinsing and reusing the occasional filter sponge when I've run out and can't get to the store for a few days, but reusing them for years!?

Now I'm fairly sure Aqua Clear would prefer that you buy more filter sponges to replace the 'old' dirty ones (that's just more money in their pockets), but would anyone here recommend constantly reusing the old 'cleaned out' filter sponges until they fell apart?

Thank you in advance for your opinions on this subject..........

 

[Bubbles2112]

I have used mine for years. Just keep rinsing them out until they get to crumbling & hard stage.

 

[msjinkzd]

^^^ same here

 

[fobrinkle]

rinse and reuse

 

[12 Volt Man]

ditto.

 

[mach_six]

If you follow Hagen's 2 months replacement interval you're just throwing money away. This thing can last if you maintain it properly. Every 2 weeks, rinse it out in a bucket with old tank water, do not use tap water will kill all the bacteria. I notice sponges that are not rinsed out often will get hard and usually so disgusting that you'll replace it.

 

[Accident]

I've had some for at least 10 years that are still in use. Bad advice to thro them away.

A

 

[aravenschild]

Well, I guess it never hurts to ask, but now I feel kinda dumb for spending all that money on new filter sponges over the last couple years......LOL

Thanks guys and gals.................

 

[irishfan]

Seems for mine at least that with proper care and maintenance you can have them last a long time. Mine is well over a yr and half and looks pretty good. As always in this hobby laziness or lack or attention will cost you in longer run

 

[Bderick67]

Clean the sponges regularly every week or two under under hot tap water. The bacteria will colonize other places, like the biomax that's in the AC filters. The more crap you remove from your water column the healthier your tank will be.