Filter Cleaning/changing?

[ssharp1]

My 28g aquarium set up was purchased (dry) from a co-worker. The purchase included the filter and filter media, etc. The filter is a TopFin 30 and there was a new box containing 3 filter pads or sponges (not sure about the correct term, but they greatly resemble kitchen scrubbing pads for dishes) for the TopFin. They have a coarse side, and fine side, and carbon sealed inside.

I understand that the bio filtration occurs when bacterial colonies grow inside the filter media. I also understand that the exterior of the filter can be safely cleaned using non-chlorinated, cool water so as not to destroy the bacteria. I'm good with all that. My questions are: 1)How does one know when the media needs to be changed completely, and 2) In a set up as I described, how does one replace the filter media completely without losing *all* of the bio filtration?

Obviously, these filter pads are disposable, or they wouldn't sell them three to a pack. But, I can't work out how I can ever change the filter pad without basically starting all over again with the cycling of the tank.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[fluttermoth]

The only time you want to change your media is if it starts to disintegrate, but that's honestly not very likely to happen. I have sponges that have been in constant use for nigh on 20 years and they're still going strong.

Most companies tell you need to change it purely as a way of getting a continual supply of money from you!

If you do ever need to change it, then you'll have to cut it into bits and replace no more than a quarter once every couple of weeks or, as you so rightly deduce, you would need to recycle every time.

Personally I would get rid of the cartridges altogether and just use sponges cut to the right size and shape, or even some ceramic rings (in a mesh bag so you can take them out for rinsing) and a layer of filter floss (which can be replaced regularly). The carbon won't be doing you any good, and may become a nuisance should you ever have to use meds, as carbon will absorb most medications and would have to be removed at that point anyway.

 

[ssharp1]

The only time you want to change your media is if it starts to disintegrate, but that's honestly not very likely to happen. I have sponges that have been in constant use for nigh on 20 years and they're still going strong.

Most companies tell you need to change it purely as a way of getting a continual supply of money from you!

If you do ever need to change it, then you'll have to cut it into bits and replace no more than a quarter once every couple of weeks or, as you so rightly deduce, you would need to recycle every time.

Personally I would get rid of the cartridges altogether and just use sponges cut to the right size and shape, or even some ceramic rings (in a mesh bag so you can take them out for rinsing) and a layer of filter floss (which can be replaced regularly). The carbon won't be doing you any good, and may become a nuisance should you ever have to use meds, as carbon will absorb most medications and would have to be removed at that point anyway.

Ah! And the clever monkeys at TopFin have even included some little sticker things that are supposed to change color, or some such thing, to tell the consumer that it's time to change the filter. I've actually purchased a TopFin 40 as it seemed the old 30 wasn't working properly, when I first set it up--but it needed a little more coaxing to get primed, and then was fine. I still have the TF40, however, and I see that it has a mechanical filter cartridge, but the bio media is separate. This looks like a better option, over the long haul, and I may implement that (in addition to the TF 30) and migrate to the 40 when it's had time to grow enough bacteria. In any case, I truly appreciate the information.

Steve

 

[Aqua Tom]

When to change filter media?

Never.


Tom