Filter Media

[mrp3]

So I have 2 aqueon filters a 30 gal on my 29 and a 20 gal on my 10. I just wanted to make sure I was doing the eight thing here. I change the filter cartridge once ever 6 weeks. I never clean the filter as this restates the cycle just wanted to know if I'm supposed to be changing the media every 6 weeks.

 

[minnnt]

Replace the media?

Why would you want to replace the media? By doing this you are effectively throwing away your bacterial colony...

 

[mrp3]

Well on the box for the filter it said to replace the media once every 6 weeks so should I never replace the media. I replaced mine yesterday and it was a black green color

 

[minnnt]

Thats because they want you to buy their products...

Did you replace everything? If so then you will effectively be cycling your tank again. Also, if you replaced 50% you will probably get an ammonia spike pretty soon as you have removed half of the bacterial colony that nitrifies the ammonia in your tank from your fish.

The best way is to lightly wash the filter media in OLD tank water. I usually do mine once a month and never experience any problems.

 

[mrp3]

Should I continue to use the one I just pit in or get mine out of the garbage? The old on is in the garbage can

 

[minnnt]

I would be tempted to use the old one...

 

[mrp3]

Ok well Im not gonna buy anymore I'll just use your method but as ive never had a problem I'm going to leave the new on in. I've never had an ammonia spike when doing this.

 

[minnnt]

How much media have you replaced? If you have replaced 100% it would be virtually impossible to not have an ammonia spike as you have no bacteria left in your filter to deal with it.

 

[mrp3]

I replace 75% every month but I won't be doing it anymore even though these CaRTRIDgES are meant to be replaced

 

[minnnt]

Very suprised you're not getting any ammonia spikes replacing that much each time.

The only time it needs replacing is if it is dropping to bits in your hands. If it is doing this after 6 weeks then it must be a pretty rubbish filter. The reason they tell you to replace it is because they want you to go and spend X amount on their media products.

The media is probably the most important part of the tank, people spend weeks, usually months cycling a tank by adding ammonia and testing the water constantly... You are throwing away all the hard work you have done to build the bacteria up.

Have you got a test kit? If so which one is it?

 

[mrp3]

I use the aqueon master test kit

 

[minnnt]

As long as your results are within the acceptable limits then carry on as you are... But my media is precious and wouldn't dream of replacing 75% in one go.

 

[mrp3]

Well I'm going to use your method from now on but I don't really wanna dig through the trash.

 

[minnnt]

It's not my method, its everyones method

Good luck

 

[DrRob]

It's not my method, its everyones method

Good luck

I'm with minnt on this. It's a widespread method, and far safer. Manufacturers seem to want you to change everything all the time. The only thing worth changing is carbon (or zeolite type stuff) but ideally these shouldn't be in regular useage anyway.

Plus it's far cheaper.

Some of the cartridge type filters do get clogged faster than the externals that I know full well minnt uses, but they can generally still be washed out in old tank water. It's one reason why the externals are so well liked.