Filter media

[StarOrbs]

I have an aquaclear and I have the standard carbon, sponge and biomax that came with it. Now 1st question which one is the beneficial bacteria on. 2nd is alright to use any combination of media like creating your own filter bags? Also how often should you replace the filters?

Sorry about posting so much I just want to get a few things cleared up..

 

[spAcE mOnkEy]

how big is the tank your aqua clear is on and what size aqua clear?
these are my favorite filters, but i would rather use them on tanks under a 55 gal (which is what i have). You never have to replace the biomax, just every waterchange rinse the biomax out in a bucket of old tank water. the benificial bacteria developes colonies in the ceramic thingys, biomax. You dont even need the carbon, it just makes the water clearer. i think the carbon isnt good after two weeks anyway. you would also rinse the carbon in old tank water. The sponge also holds the benificial bacteria and doesnt have to replaced often. if the sponge turns pink, replace it, other wise you dont have to replace it for a long time (not sure how long, maybe a couple months) . when you say create own filter bags, im not sure what you mean. i just use biomax and a sponge in mine. one currently has carbon in it to make water clearer. i have an old 500 filter, now the new one is 110, and i had to buy biomax for it. i think the biomax was for a different brand of filter, but most biomax does the same thing. Hope you have luck with the filter!

 

[StarOrbs]

It's working great right now, not to mention its really quiet. I was just curious.

 

[leafs]

The sponges are really good for bacteria to attach to. I don't use any carbon in my Aquaclear 200. I use 2 sponges and some filter floss in between them. The filter floss keeps the water crystal clear. I never change my sponges, just swish them in a bucket of tank water. The filter floss gets dirty pretty quickly, so I change it every week or so.