When should I replace the media in my cannister filter?

[doug z]

I have an Eheim 2217, just wondering when I should replace the biological and mechanical media for it (not rinse, replace wholesale)..

I replace both 1/2 at a time, right? Or no?

Should I bother cutting the sponge in half and replacing 1/2 at a time, or can I just go ahead and dip a brand new one in tank water put it in there?

When should I replace the fine gauss at the top of the filter?

Thanks!!

Where to get it in Canada?

I checked Big Al's and MOPS.ca, but either they don't have it, or I'm looking in the wrong place..

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I never change it Doug. There's no point in changing it. I just give it a rinse every so often. Not really sure what the purpose would be in changing it.

[cocoa_pleco]

i never rinse or replace my media

[sailor]

Your sponge and bio media should last for years Doug. I would only rinse it if you see a dramatic drop in your water flow.

[doug z]

Ok, thanks guys..

Just checking if maybe they deteriorated over time..

A bit surprised that you don't have to rinse it even, though..

[sailor]

I have 2 filters on all my tanks so they don't get as bad. If I see a flow reduction I rinse out 1 filter in water from a water change then a month or so later I do the other.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

You will have to rinse it every so often. My canisters will go about 2 months without a biomedia rinse.

[doug z]

Oh, ok, thanks!

[cocoa_pleco]

yeah, most people rinse. i actually have perfect parameters with no rinsing or replacing