Filter Media

[mr_sleepy]

hello, i am coming up to my first annivasry of owning a tropical fish tank, i was wondering should i start replacing the filter sponges, or should i just give them a swill out, in the water i take out of the tank, also should i change my flurescent tube and reflector, any help would be most greatful

 

[rabbut]

hello, i am coming up to my first annivasry of owning a tropical fish tank, i was wondering should i start replacing the filter sponges, or should i just give them a swill out, in the water i take out of the tank, also should i change my flurescent tube and reflector, any help would be most greatful

I only ever replace sponges when donating media to other members, or if the sponges are literaly falling apart. They can last 5+ years. Lights do eventualy start loosing output, so if you are keeping plants, it will need replacing soon. If you don't keep plants, then the current tube will be fine untill it breaks For now, simply continue to rince them in old tank water when clogged.
When you do replace your sponges, only do a max of 1/3 of the total sponges in one go, to avoid putting your tank into a mini cycle

HTH
Rabbut