When to Change Filter Media?

[elgeebeekei10]

I Have been running my 2 x 2080's and 2 x 2252 internal filter for a month in my 240 gallon now and I can never be happy , opted for these instead of 2 x 2262 due to space needed in stand. I am noticing gunk buildup in my hoses but not really hindering flow either in or out. is it time for me to change media, crack the 2080's open and change blue filter and white filter out? when do i change filter media every 3 months 6 months? cmon help a brother out BTW current stocking is 4 silver arowana 1 jardini 2 senegal bichirs and 2 spotted pleco (overstocked!!)

 

[pURPLEcHILLIrED123]

I never change any media what so ever. Just rinse them in tank water when I change the water. I clean and rinse them about once month.

 

[tableau]

The blue media just has to be rinse. Can change the white one every month or two depending on the load.

 

[BODYDUB]

Umm, your never suppose to change the media out in any filter without any bio back up. Your ammonia and nitrites could spike causing anyone to lose fish. Just rinse it out in tank water and clean your hoses............

 

[elgeebeekei10]

Thanks for the quick reply , will rinse them out next week it has been running for at least a month now 3 weeks without fish and 1 week with, i have done 3 partial water changes since then. will do a 50% change next week.

 

[FSM]

Umm, your never suppose to change the media out in any filter without any bio back up. Your ammonia and nitrites could spike causing anyone to lose fish. Just rinse it out in tank water and clean your hoses............

This is serious business bro, if you replace all the media at the same time, it could kill the fish of random bystanders, so be careful.