Aquael Internal Fan Filter 2 Plus

[GreenA]

Hi guys.

As I'm still cycling I know I'm not supposed to touch my filter, which I won't.

However, I do have a question about it as the description in the packaging is not very clear on that.

How do I change the filter without loosing all my bacteria? As far as I know it just contains a sponge. Now, I know I can clean it by rinsing it in old tank water but does it ever need a full on change? Do I do that gradually by cutting the filter into little pieces and replacing it bit by bit?

I hope some of you have experiences with this particular filter and can help me out.

Thanks in advance.

 

[fluttermoth]

No, it never needs changing. People always say, "unless it's falling apart", but I've got sponges that are 20+ years old and they're not falling apart!

It is a good idea to cut it into two or three pieces so you can give each piece a bit more of a thorough washing (but still in old tank water, of course) if it seems to be getting clogged.

If it ever does start falling apart, then yes, only change a third or a quarter each month until you've changed it all, but it's not very likely; you'll probably be running a new, larger filter long before that happens!

 

[fishyfeet]

lol this is an age old misconception, one i fell for for a while, you just rinse out sponges in tank water if internal filters then every water change, externals about once a month, after a few years the sponge may start to break up then cut it in half and replace one half for a few months then the other half, if you or anyone you know is setting up a new tank then put half of your mature sponge in the new filter and a new half in the other half and youve got a cycled tank. di

 

[GreenA]

thanks for the responses guys.

Wish they would just include that in the product description. But then again, this forums always seems to provide good answers.

Thanks guys.

 

[fishyfeet]

dont be silly, you wouldnt all be rushing out buying new sponges all the time,

when i got my external i used to wash it all out weekly like the internal what a nitwit

thank goodness for forums and lovely experince helpful fishkeepers

 

[GreenA]

LOL

All these companies and manufacturers must love these forums

 

[fishyfeet]

hehe, they should be more honest, same with fish shops selling fish for a fortune and you can get some better coloured, bigger, healthier and better cared for fish from a fishkeeper in the next town for half the price.