Help with filter

[777james777]

I have had the same filter now for about 2 years

There’s nothing wrong with it, and it’s a relatively big standard one. I was wondering if they should be changed at all? It has a sponge in it and then like these little balls contained in a plastic casing

I have a 160 litre tank, does anyone have any links on a good filter and any benifits / tips / help would be great

 

[777james777]

also… activated carbon? Is this what the little “ball like” things are in my filter? Should these be replaced ?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

They are more likely bio-media for hosting the bacteria. You might rinse them some in tank water in a bucket now and then so they do not clog from organic waste mater. The sponge should be rinsed out the same way as well, but likely every week or two. Best to swish it around and shake it than to squeeze it.

If the filter is working well for you, why would to want to change it? Also, activated carbon is black.

edited for typos

 

[seangee]

If its working don't mess with it.
What type of filter is it, and how often do you clean today?

 

[GaryE]

You have to maintain a filter, but not necessarily clean it. You have to think of a filter as an organism. The bacteria and archeae it harbours keep your tank running. The bioball things in some filters can be gimmicky, but they work, and should only be rinsed. The advice above is what I'd do.
What I'll add is that if you decide this filter isn't good (we can't comment not knowing what type it is) and buy a new one, run the two on the same tank for about 3 weeks to allow the new filter to develop its own bacterial colonies.