Clean or Replace Filter Media?????

[legoms013]

Hello, my tank is 3 weeks old and I'm wondering how often I should replace or clean the filter media. Also does it need to be CLEANED or just plain ol REPLACED....the back side is covered in alot of slimy brown algae (I'm assuming thats what it is).

Thanks

[Dave66]

I clean mine monthly. Make sure you use water you removed from a partial water change to do so, as the clorine from your tap will kill the nitrafying bacteria in your filter. Put the water in a pan (I use a clean cat pan for this). Squeeze out the sponges, rinse the impeller if it needs it. I use a brush used for cleaning filter tubes to scrape out the brown goop in the filter when it needs it. Hope this helps.

Dave

[legoms013]

Ok thanks a whole lot. Is it normal to get alot of brown algae build up on the backside of the filter? I'm thinking its not actually growing there, its growing in the intake tube and then tearing off, being chewed up by the impeller then coming to rest on the filter media in little chunks.

[Dave66]

It's not really algae, its mulm and other debris being sucked in and sticking to the beneficial bacteria film inside the filter, giving you the brown goop. Unless its excessive, its harmless, if unattractive. All filters get it.
If it was cyanobacteria, it'd be everywhere, not just in your filter.

Dave

[Lady Hobbs]

With your tank only 3 weeks old, why not let it go for awhile. It has barely had time to cycle. I do take my filters apart about every 2 weeks. Can't stand all that stuff and it gets stinky. Guess I shouldn't put my nose in there?

[legoms013]

Maybe I should wait another couple of weeks before I start cleaning???

[MeganL3985]

I made the mistake of replacing mine 3 weeks in and it messed my cycle up soooooo bad, so definitely dont replace. I would wait another 2-3 weeks and then just rinse it in a bucket with your tank water...since rinsing it with regular tap would kill good bacteria..like Dave66 said.

[Bill M.]

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Whoo!!! Post numero 600 Meg!!!!

Anyways.. I would have to agree with my fellow forumites..... wait a few more weeks before cleaning the filter media. On my tanks, I don't clean them for 3 months at a time, or whenever water flow is reduced... Filters are the main area of the bacteria you want to have! Heh.. I didn't know about this bacteria till I came to AC... I love you guys/gals and this place :19:

[gm72]

I am assuming we are talking about a HOB filter here? If so, how do you have it filled? That is, I have mine with a sponge prefilter at the inlet, stock sponge for the first layer, then Ehfisynth (biomax equivalent) in a bag. I clean the prefilter sponge about once every few weeks, the internal sponge maybe once every other month, and I gently rinse the Ehfisynth when I clean the internal sponge. The prefilters make a HUGE difference.

[legoms013]

I just have a cheez whiz Top Fin 30 Filter for my tank....it just has that removable filter cartridge in the back. Sounds like I better wait at least 2 more weeks.....


Thanks everybody for your generous help!!!! I have learned so much since joining.

[MeganL3985]

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Whoo!!! Post numero 600 Meg!!!!



Hahaha I didnt even notice that! :) I <3 A.C.

[freshwaterfishlover]

I replace my Carbon in my 2 Whisper Filters once a month. In my 3 Aquaclears I change the Carbon once a month and the Spounge and Rocks every 2 months.

[gm72]

Carbon is usually used only if there is a problem in the tank. Do you have toxins that you are trying to remove by using said carbon?