Filter changes

[the caretaker]

I do my filter changes about once every 3 weeks is that to often?
and how often should you change the media that you use?

 

[freddyk]

The answer would really depend on stocking levels and what type of filter you are referring too - what other people do may not have anything to do with the best thing for your tank. Spill forth all the details of the tank!

 

[yvez9]

i have been running the same filter for over 2 months now. haven't changed any media in it, and haven't even rinsed it.

Carbon needs to be changed quite often but if you don't use it, just wait until your filter's flow is lower than usual before winsing it.
There is no need to change filter media if it isn't damaged IMO

 

[Phantom Thief]

I've never changed my filter or my filter media, all i do is rinse it out in old tank water.

P.T.

 

[the caretaker]

Hi I have a 48 x 24 x 18 tank (not too sure hour many gallons that is?) I have 8 fish 4 green Severum and 3 large tin foils and an 8" pleco.
The filter I'm using is a Fluval 303 siporax and foam as the media

 

[freddyk]

That's some serious stocking you've got going on there - I think you are on the right track with your 3 week schedule. When you say 'filter changes' I'm assuming you mean rinsings as well - general cleanings? As mentioned there's no need to actually replace the media so often, rinsing works also.

To tell the truth I'm surprised the 303 is doing a good enough job.

 

[the caretaker]

Iv'e been wondering if the 303 was man enough for the job. Do you think that I have to many fish for the size of the tank? or the size of my filter? and I'm only cleaning the filter I rarely change the media.
Cheers

 

[freddyk]

Your tank is a 90 gallon, btw.

I wouldn't necessarily say you have too many fish. The Sevs fit no problem, topping out at about 8" or so, and the tinfoils will likely outgrow it eventually, seeing as they are very boisterous fish that grow to 16" long, and a common pleco can get much larger then this. You should have some time before you need to worry about this. I would think you'd need more filtration because of the sheer size of all the fish in the tank - something with good power that can take care of mechanical filtration, like an AC 500. Really only you know how the filter is working though, I'm just speculating.