Filter Pad Maintainance ?

[JohnBull]

Hi,

Jewel Trigon 180 lt tank now in full swing,fish seem happy enough,no real problems so far. However,I need some advice now regarding how often I should be cleaning/squeezing my filter pads,and in particular,which pads I should be paying attention too as time goes by ? I already squeeze the top (white)filters every 7 to 10 days using the disused tank water,but now I need some help please regarding the pads situated deeper in the bio filter?

Also,what are the white 'stones' situated in the filter used for ?



John.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

I'm not great at doing this myself, but if you rinsed/squeezed half the filter's sponges in removed tank water each week, it should help keep the flow up while not risking a massive loss of bacteria in the sponges.

I think the "white stones" box is the Cirax, which supposedly houses most of the bacteria colony, but the bacteria will colonise all sponges the longer they are in the filter. Juwel recommend replacing the different sponges every few months or so, but many fishkeepers use the same sponges for years with regular rinses, just replacing the fine top layer sponges every couple of weeks.

The only layer that needs replacing often when used is the carbon sponge, which will absorb toxins over the first few days of use, so it is common for fishkeepers to only add it when needed to help remove medication before being thrown away.

 

[KittyKat]

You shouldn't get noticeable bacteria loss even if you clean all of them every week, but if you're worried, 50% every other week or as needed should be fine. Basically, when the sponges are clogged, they need cleaning. It even makes sense to replace the finest sponge instead of cleaning it, to keep the water flow up as vigorous cleaning tends to mat them.

Edit: in my experience, rough sponges almost always last for 5-10+ years.. I have never had to consciously replace mine!

 

[BigbruiserAl]

White poly pads can be washed weekly and bined every 2-4weeks(you can buy bulk on ebay 25 for £10)
The sponges(depending on tank stocking) can get washed in tank water every 1-3 months bined every 2-3 years
The white noodles Cirax just need a swish in tank water and should last a life time
Cabon should be treated the same as sponges if its already in the tank as carbon will only last a week or so remvoing tannis/meds

 

[SchottayB]

Replace filter floss every two weeks and squeeze filter sponges in old tank water every two weeks is what I do

 

[JohnBull]

All that information seems pretty straight forward.


Thanks for the replys.



John.