Confused About Filters

[Ardvark]

Been surfing about sponge filters.
 
Some fish keepers say I don't need a carbon filter sponge, some say I do.
 
Some fish keepers say I don't need to change my sponge filters, some say I do.
 
I can understand that manufacturers advise you change your filters so they can make money out of me, BUT what IS the best course of action?
 
I'm thinking that I should just rinse the sponges every week in the dirty water change water, therefore keeping the good bacteria and save buying unnecessary sponges.
 
Would this way be detrimental to my Guppies? 
 
 

 

[Mamashack]

What filter have you got? Whatever it is, better to hang on to your bacteria. Rinsing in old tank water is all it needs. If it's one of those filters that uses cartridges you could gradually replace the cartridges one at a time with other filter media such as ceramic beads or sponge. If your tank isn't occupied yet best to do that all in one go before cycling.
Carbon is only needed when completing a course of medication to get rid of the meds. Carbon filters do eventually exhaust themselves and can be left in place once that's occurred.

 

[dopieopie]

I've only ever used carbon when my filter was new simply because it came with it, after a while I tossed it opting for more media. The only other time I ever used it was when removing medication.

As for sponges I just rinse them in the water when doing a water change. Unless its falling apart there isn't much reason to replace it.

 

[ShinySideUp]

I have coarse sponge filters in my FX5, I squeeze them all out in old tank water about every six weeks to two months at the same time as I clean the hoses. If the flow is good then you don't need to do anything but it doesn't do any harm to clean them more often. Carbon is just an unnecessary expense, I haven't used it for ten years.

 

[DrRob]

As SSU says, I was my sponges occasionally. I threw away an old sponge the other day as it was falling apart, but it was about 20 years old.
 
Otherwise the best course of action is to, under no circumstances, throw away your hard earned biofilter.
 
Carbon has it's uses, but is generally not necessary. Feel free to use it, but only for a reason.

 

[Ardvark]

Thank you all for your advice.
 
One more question if I may.
 
The new carbon filter I have, is it worth keeping or will it do more harm than good?

 

[DrRob]

Seal in a jiffy bag, ignore until needed.