Juwel Filter System Bioflow 3.0 Help

[Flubberlump]

I'm upgrading my tank to a Juwel Lido 120 ltr. It's been ordered and I'm collecting it later this week. The tank comes with a Juwel Bioflow 3.0 filter system. The question I have is regarding the many different types of filter media in it, and how often they should be changed. Here is a picture of the filter, and the different layers of media:

Now, according to Juwel, these different layers all have different purposes and need to be changed routinely, it reminds me of a car service schedule!
So, here's what Juwel say about the different layers, and how often they should be changed, starting at the top and going down in order to the bottom.

Pre-filter wool poly pad (white): The white filter wool acts as a Mechanical pre-filter, Removing large particles of dirt and excess food, which in turn Ensures that the other sponges do jot get clogged - change weekly

Carbon sponge (black): The black activated carbon sponge sits on top of the blue coarse filter sponges, and Removes chemical impurities from the water which cannot be removed biologically. change monthly

Nitrate removal sponge (green): The sponge contains micro-organisms, which will, once developed, reside inside the sponges and in the water. These micro-organisms feed off nitrates and Will reduce them significantly. The Juwel filtration systeof provides the optimum housing for these micro-organisms. change every 2 months

Coarse sponge (blue): The coarse blue filter sponges allow bacteria colonies to develop quickly, Cleaning the water which is now free from chemical impurities. change every 3 months

Cirax (White, inside cage): The highly porous filter material utilises it's extremely large surface area For effective biological cleaning and ensures the highest water quality. change yearly

2 x fine sponges (blue): The fine blue sponges and the bacteria cultures living in them, clean the water of even the smallest impurities. change yearly

So, in your opinion, do you think that these different medias really need changing this regularly? Or is this just a money making thing? Also, what do you think about the nitrate removing sponge? As far as I'm aware, nitrates aren't broken down by bacteria, is this correct?

Edit: thought of another question regarding the carbon sponge. I know that carbon isn't usually used unless you want to remove meds or chemicals from the water. This tank is going to be aquascaped and fully planted using co2 and plant ferts. Will the carbon sponge remove the plant ferts from the water? Obviously it's no good to me if it does and I'll need to replace it with one of the other sponges.

Sorry about the essay! Any comments appreciated thanks in advance!

 

[Essjay]

The white pad can be washed a couple of times, then it'll go shapeless and need replacing. Don't buy expensive Juwel ones, get a roll of filter wool and cut it to the same size. In the Juwel filter it is used to catch bits in the water and it gets soiled pretty quickly so you'll find yourself changing it regularly.

Carbon sponge isn't needed on a permanent basis. Replace it with a plain sponge, Juwel if you want or any make cut to the same size. Keep the carbon sponge in the cupboard for removing medication after treatment has finished if your fish ever get sick.

Green sponge doesn't remove nitrates despite what they say. But it is a good home for bacteria so treat it like a blue sponge.

Blue sponges (both types) just need washing in water taken out of the tank during a water change. They will need replacing in a few years when they fall apart or won't go back to shape after washing. When that finally happens don't replace them all at once. Wait four to six weeks between changing them.

Cirax - just wash that in old tank water as well.



Most filter manufacturers tell you to change the media every few months to earn them more money!

 

[Flubberlump]

That's exactly what I thought. I didn't see why these sponges were so special and needed changing so often. Plus I don't want to lose all of the bacteria.

I was very sceptical about the green sponge. False advertising as far as I'm concerned.

That's what I thought about the carbon sponge too. Thought it would do more harm than good unless I'd been using meds.

Thanks for clearing it up. Just wanted some confirmation really

 

[Akasha72]

I have the same filter and I was just going to leave things alone. The last time I rinsed my sponges I noticed the thin, fine one was going out of shape and I was also wondering if it would be okay to get a new one. I now have the confirmation too so thanks very much essjay

 

[Essjay]

The white pad will have some bacteria in it, but not many if you change it every few weeks. Besides, it is much thinner than the other things in there and is a small percentage of the total media. If you do lose bacteria when you change it, it'll only be a small percentage of the bacteria in the whole filter.

I have a rio 125, though the filter was so noisy that I ended up removing it. I even got a new pump but that was as bad. I've never come across anyone else with that particular problem, probably me adjusting the pump wrong

 

[Flubberlump]

Yes there'll be enough bacteria in the rest of the filter media so there shouldn't be a problem. Looking forward to getting the tank and setting it up now