New Filter sponges

[Jo and Gra]

Greetings......

We've got a Fluval 800 tank....21 gal....


Running a Fluval 2 filter......

it keeps the water clear, so no problems with that......

however it "clogs"...not massively or anything, but over about a week, it seems to slow down, and when we look at it, the sponges are gunky....so using TANK WATER we squeeze them out, and generally clean then, though obviously not too much to destroy the bacteria....

we've got the two noraml sponges, and the "fine" sponge, and the carbon one in.....


our question is;

HOW DO YOU START USING NEW FILTER SPONGES???

do you need to throw them in the tank for a week or so first?...or??

 

[@ombomb]

Well first of all, you're not supposed to use the fine one AND the carbon one at the same time (if it's the same as the Fluval 4) which is probably really slowing the flow down. I'd take the carbon one out before replacing anything and see how you get on with just the fine and the two "Normal".

It's really best not to replace your spinges, but give them a good rinse out in old tank water. If you absolutely HAVE to replace them though, just replace one at a time and leave the old sponge suspended in the tank for a week or so.

 

[Bloo]

Unless your sponges are falling to pieces, there's no need really. Do you have the Fluval 2 + ? If so, that comes with 2 sponges - so you can replace one at a time

Edit: yes, only use the carbon one when removing medication. It's not needed otherwise.

 

[Jo and Gra]

*runs to tank to remove carbon filter*


what carbon filter??...we aint got it in there

he he!!

 

[Bloo]

 

[Siamese Fighter05]

My LFS says you should change half the old sponge and put half the new one and and then just carry on as normal and then change the second part after about 6weeks, But its up to you. But then again who listens to the lfs when we have TFF
Edit: The only sponge you really have to change is the carbon one, but as your not using them anymore it doesnt really matter.

 

[playfulalliecat]

We have a Fluval 404 which we bought used. Our tank is well established now and we just use filter floss. We buy the cheap stuff from Walmart's sewing section. It's called poly-fil and its 100% polyester. The same thing they sell in the LFS for a lot more money!

The key to changing sponges or whatever media you use is to not do it at the same time you vacuum gravel. Since our tank has been running so long, we usually alternate at water changes. One week we vacuum all of our gravel, which still doesn't remove all the bacteria. The next week or when it starts running slow, we change the filter floss. We have used sponges before and alternated much the same way but washed them out in tank water instead of changing them. I love the way the floss polishes the water and makes it really clear!