One more: Filter cleaning?

[bubble_bee]

I've read on a few places that you shouldn't start cleaning your filter until your tank has cycled out...however...how soon is too soon? My tank has 0 ammonia and nitrites, and 10 ppm nitrates, so it's well on it's way.

Also: what exactly should you do when cleaning your filter? I have an aquaclear so I believe I would just rinse the sponge in some aquarium water (ex. when doing a water change). But how often? And how often should I change the sponge/carbon?

Thanks!

[Chrona]

I've read on a few places that you shouldn't start cleaning your filter until your tank has cycled out...however...how soon is too soon? My tank has 0 ammonia and nitrites, and 10 ppm nitrates, so it's well on it's way.

Also: what exactly should you do when cleaning your filter? I have an aquaclear so I believe I would just rinse the sponge in some aquarium water (ex. when doing a water change). But how often? And how often should I change the sponge/carbon?

Thanks!

How long has the tank been up and running with fish?(I'm assuming you did fish cycling) Ammonia and nitrite at 0 indicates either a completely new tank that has not started cycling or a cycled tank.

Rinse the sponge in a container with aquarium water. Make sure it doesn't dry up. If your tank just cycled, I would recommend waiting another week or so before doing that though. Carbon should be changed every month. Sponge....dunno, when it wears out I guess. My schedule consists of weekly water changes in my 10g. Every 3 weeks, I will skip a water change and clean out the filter. It's not a good idea to disturb the substrate and the filter at the same time, because those are the home of the bacteria you want. Alternate and let the bacteria population build back up again.

[bubble_bee]

Yeah, it's been up and running for a few months --> hadn't heard of fishless cycling before this, but that will definetly be my route next time!