The Correct Way To Clean Filter Sponge?

[21rm]

Up until a few months ago, I used to clean my filter sponges by rinsing them under the shower head and squeezing all the dirt out. I believed that the good bacteria were in the water, but Then i found out all the bacteria was mainly in the sponges and that each time i washed like this i was gettin rid if the bacteria.

So now when im doin water changes, i take sum water out of the tank, put the filter in the bucket, take out the sponges and squeeze them in the water that has just come from the tank.
It seems like a logical way to do it, but my filter is always quiet slow a couple days again.

Am i doing it right or is there somethin im missing?
Also, in the method i mentioned about, is there any particular time length that the sponges can be outta the water before the bacteria get effected.

 

[Gilli]

You are now doing it correctly. NEVER rinse them under tap water or you will kill all the bacteria and your tank will have to recycle again. Just a gentle squeeze in the old tank water and a swish about to dislodge any particles will do the trick. Dont let the sponges dry out - theres no rush but obviously get them back in the filter asap.

 

[Amerce]

Have you actually ever cleaned your filter as well ?

 

[saltynay]

Provided the sponges are kept wet they lose bacteria at 5-10% per 24 hours so a microsopic amount from doing a clean. The bacteria will die once dry though. I take it out squeeze, scrape off some gunk return to the tank free floating, get a fresh lot of tank water and squeeze again then return to the filter. If you have multiple filters running on one tank then it is good to clean one each week and another the next and get into a routine.

 

[21rm]

Have you actually ever cleaned your filter as well ?

Ya i used to clean the filter itself as well, but since i changed my method of cleaning the sponges ive also not washed the filter as much.
I just give it a rub wit me finger in the water, and leave watever doesn't cum off from that

Thanks everyone for the replies BTW