Eheim External

[AncientMariner]

I run an Eheim 2128 external filter.

I've had it running for nearly 6 years now and up to now all I do is clean the media with tank water and replace the white sponge when I need to.

What I would like to know is do you ever need to change the media (particularly the biological balls that hang on to the beneficial bacteria) ?

Does this media have an effective lifespan ?

 

[OldMan47]

When the media starts to disintegrate is soon enough to start replacing it. Many manufacturers make claims of as little as 6 months for the life of their media but I have not noticed any degradation in an biomedia performance ever. If it truly does degrade to some extent, it is not enough to effect my water quality.