Fluval Filters

[fishheart]

Hello, I'm new to the forum but have been into fish for sometime. I was wondering if anyone out there might have some insight into fluval filters and how often the elements need to be replaced. I've used several types of filters but this is my first with Fluval.
 
I have two C-2's in my 29 gallon tank and have been alternating cleaning and replacing the elements. I've been doing a basic cleaning 0nce per week and replacing elemnets once per month. I'm thinking this may get spendy after a while, maybe I'm over doing it? I would love to hear from anyone and their input on this...thanks!

 

[SLIM]

Hi there and welcome to the forum.
I assume by elements you mean media? Sponges, bio max and carbon?
The sponges and bio max or bio media dont need to be replaced. By replacing them every month your losing a good portion of your beneficial bacteria which in turn will give you ammonia spikes which can harm your fish. I know the filters instructions intructs you to replace the media every so often but this is only to make extra £$£$£$ from you. When your sponges are falling apart, thats when you changes them.
Also when cleaning your sponges and media, make sure you clean in tank water not tap water

As for carbon, carbon is only needed to strip chemicals out of the water like after treating for parasites for example.
Even then the carbon only stays active and does its job for a matter of days, then it kinda just sit there and does nothing.
So unless you have unwanted chemicals in your water, you dont need carbon

 

[zoopkamol]

+1 slim
Your bang on!!

 

[fishheart]

Thank you, I wasn't sure...that's whay I rotated cleaning with the two units. The instructions with these things are not very good and since they're new to me I wanted to make sure. Thanks again!