Changing Filter Media

[Wyld-Fyre]

Have you guys ever wondered what it'd be like not changing the filter media? I've got the standard filter padding, including the hard spongy stuff, and was wondering if it'd hurt if I'd not change it (as much)?

I'd use to change the padding on a fortnightly, then monthly cyclical basis, but recently had decided not to continue with this. With no adverse effects that I can readily make out, this got me thinking. Is it really vital, that we need to continue changing the filter media, in my case, now that the tank has fully matured?

Whence need be, water quality checks and limited water changes are ever-continuing. Tell me what you guys are experiencing. I'd like to read your thoughts.

Kribsinvcrib

 

[yvez9]

I have my tank running for 32 months now with the original filter media.

I've just replaced the carbon with purigen but that's about it. Everything is well!

 

[Waterloo Kid]

I only change the fliter floss layer weekly as it bungs up easily. The actual sponge filter media is rinsed out every six months or so but that's it. Changing filter media on a fourtnightly basis seems a bit extreme to me!

WK

 

[Rodders]

On my juwel filter.
I change the white wool pad weekly.
Carbon 3-4 weeks as it only lasts this long.
The others (the bacteria grow in) are just washed out every 6 months or so and change one maybe, but not both of them at once.

 

[CFC]

I dont even change the floss pads, just give them a good rinse under the tap and theyre as good as new so the same piece can be used for months.

Note: floss pads are mechanical filtration and NOT biological filtration so rinsing under the tap will not affect bacteria colonies. The biological filtration is managed by the sponges which should only be washed in tankwater. Rinse them whenever there is noticable loss in output from the filter.

The only media that should be changed routinely is chemical media (carbon, zeolite, nitrogen compound adsorbing resins etc) which should be changed or recharged as per the manufactorers instructions.

 

[freddyk]

I rinse out all my media (I don't use chemical) and only replace when it really looks like it's reaching the end of its life.

You should at least be rinsing it - filth in the filters is filth still in the aquarium system, and will lead to higher nitrates as surely as letting it sit in the gravel.

floss pads are mechanical filtration and NOT biological filtration

Well, their existence is meant for mechanical, but they can't help sustain a very healthy bacteria colony in the huge surface area provided by all those fibres. One can theoretically only use filter floss as filtration, provided they rinsed only a portion of it at a time.

 

[chishnfips]

I just rinse mine out I have had it in for 6 months and I have had no probs. if you change it too much wont you be needing to alter all your parameters all the time so the filter starts working?