Question about cleaning Aquaclear 50

[overkil2]

How often should I replace the Bio, Carbon and sponge ?

[mommy1]

The carbon is not needed but if you choose to use it, it should be replaced every three to four weeks. The bio-max and sponge don't ever need replacing, just rinse the sponge off once in a while and reuse.

[sheamurai]

ditto that

[madagascariensis]

The only reason that manufactures recommend replacing the bio media and the sponge after a certain time is to make additional money. The carbon is not really useful in a well maintained tank and you should save it for when removing medications/ other emergencies and get an additional sponge or bio media pack to replace it.

[KingFisher]

I agree with the others. I have a couple of aquaclears that have been running since 2007 with the original sponges and biomax. I don't use carbon.

[RBSaleph]

See that? All of the above responders have just saved you money and provided very good advice!

[vafa]

+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 000000000 to all

[overkil2]

Awesome, thank you. I have an extra sponge and bio-media. Which should I use in place of the carbon?

[RBSaleph]

Biomedia - the more room there is for bacteria to grow, the better - just make sure that you periodically clean whatever is in there for mechanical filtration (like squeeze out the existing sponge in tank water) so it doesn't clog up with larger particles.

[jgranata13]

My one piece of advice is to change the sponge every once and a while. I know it gets rid of all the beneficial bacteria in it every time you do it, but I've noticed that the sponges start to break down after a certain amount of time. Since I'm not sure if they leach dangerous chemicals and I don't wanna take any chances, I replace it when it gets like that. If you have established bacteria colonies everywhere else, changing the sponge every so often won't hurt (at least I've never had any problems with it).