Fluval 3plus

[thelostprophet]

How often should i change the Filter Media and Foam pads? The instructions on the box seem abit vauge and a few friends have told me totally different things.

 

[fergalthefish]

i wash my foam pads out in tank water every water change(weekly) but as for completely changing them that would be when they seem to not be doing their job anymore, probably months and then only change one at a time cos you don't want to get rid of all your beneficial bacteria in one go.

 

[Matty P]

There is no need to completly change your filter pads unless they have rips and tears in them. If you do have to replace them just change one at a time and squeeze all the water and gunge from the old filter pad onto the new one before you put it in.

 

[thelostprophet]

What about the single sponge in the middle?

 

[england]

no just keep washing them til they fall apart....they always reccomend you change<because they make money

 

[part-timer]

yeah, main thing is to NEVER change all the sponges at once. I think the Fluval 3 only has 3 filters so at best only change one every few months. I used to have an old Fluval filter that had a single cylinder type sponge and never changed it for over a year - they just need a good squeeze and rinse out in tank water every few weeks.

 

[thelostprophet]

Cool thanks all!

What exactly is the differnce between the two big foam pads and the smaller sponge in the middle?

 

[chishnfips]

The two outside pads are quite coarse and the main filter pads, the one in the middle can either be polyester (alot finer) or carbon (for removing meds).