rinsing filter Media

[gronlaura]

Will be cleaning that filter in about another month - I will definitely take it apart at that time and will check both motors every month (will check filter 2 when I clean it on 1/31).

Am I right in alternating the cleaning of each filter every 2 weeks? Filter 1 cleaned yesterday, filter 2 to be cleaned 1/31, then filter 1 again on 2/14, filter 2 on 2/28 and so on?

[fishmommie]

sounds like a good plan. that way you don't risk a possible total BB die off if you should happen to clean a little too well :o)

[gronlaura]

sounds like a good plan. that way you don't risk a possible total BB die off if you should happen to clean a little too well :o)

Is it possible to have a small ammonia spike after cleaning the bio media?

[fishmommie]

anything is possible but in an established tank as long as you rotate filter cleaning and don't add too much new stock at a time, or don't kill you BB off in some other way (like leaving the filter off for several hours) you should be okay. If you should have a small spike, just up your water changes until the ammonia drops back down to 0 and you'll be fine.

[gronlaura]

Thanks for the info.

[CrazedMichael]

If your stocking levels are reasonable then you don't need to clean the filters that often. Once every 2-3 months will suffice.