How often do i change filter media?

[emboli]

Ive got a second hand Eheim 2217 canister filter with stuff already in it.
Apparently has been used for about a year.

The media looks like brown balls (looks like rock) mixed with white tubey things.

On the top of it all there is green sponge stuff.

Am i better off buying new filter media? How much is it if so?

Thanks in advance

[Dave66]

The media in the filter has encysted Nitrafying bacteria on and in the ceramic noodles. The sponge is to keep large debris from entering the filter.
You can rinse out the filter and the media if your water isn't chlorinated. If it is, use distilled water. The chlorine in chlorinated water will kill the bacteria.

Dave

[gm72]

No need to replace anything. Just clean it as Dave suggests. I have the same media in my filters for years and years, no problem.

[Gemstone]

if you don't have sitilled water handy....you can even scoop out some tank water and use that to clean things with...