Sponge vs box filters

[Fish Eat Fish]

My set-up is different than what you mentioned as well lol

I have about 1" of carbon on the bottom, then a big wad of filter wool, then a properly cut piece of filter polishing pad on top before the cap goes on. Everything get discarded except the polishing pad every few weeks, I use the pad for a media

The issue I see with this is that if you are tossing all that when you clean the filter you must be having a mini cycle every time. I am only saying this for your own good. I would add some scrubbies so you have more media which you keep long term. If thats the only filter on the tank you are throwing away 80% of your beneficial bacteria colony every time you do a cleaning. Just something to consider.

 

[Hendre]

The issue I see with this is that if you are tossing all that when you clean the filter you must be having a mini cycle every time. I am only saying this for your own good. I would add some scrubbies so you have more media which you keep long term. If thats the only filter on the tank you are throwing away 80% of your beneficial bacteria colony every time you do a cleaning. Just something to consider.

I never change media (apart from floss). I clean sponges in tank water and leave the bio alone. I would think Frank would know this, but we will have to see if his ban is permanent or temporary to make any conclusions