should i be changing or rinsing my filter media?

FroggyFox

Forum Manager
Moderator
May 16, 2003
8,589
10
38
43
Colorado
#4
My cartridges get rinsed in tank water whenever flow starts getting cut down. If it is clogging up almost immediately after a rinse it is probably time to replace so you would want to only change one (if your filter has more than one cartridge) or part of it if possible. At least try to leave it in with the new cartridge for a few days to a week if you can, so that good bacteria has a chance to colonize on the new filter and you can avoid a bacteria bloom.
 

bmoraski

Large Fish
Mar 9, 2009
604
2
18
Upstate NY
#5
i have to rinse my filters ( HOB ) about twice a month, which is due to my overstocking.
i have bio screen ( which is almost like brillo pad )
and 2 filters pads, the fill your own carbon filters. i just dont put carbon in anymore
ive only been carbon free for about 2 months
but my tanks are great
and i havent had to change any pads on my 20gal for awhile. but when it starts falling apart ill replace it
and ill still have 2 filters with good bacteria.
i offset the non brillo filters so ill always have at least 2 forms of good bacteria media
hope this helps
 

sombunya

Large Fish
Jul 25, 2008
304
0
0
67
So. Cal. USA
#6
I too rinse my filters about every two weeks. I feed somewhat heavily. 30% water changes every 5-6 days.

I've been carbon free for a while now but I think I'll drop a carbon bag in for a while. My tanks don't smell bad but if I stick my nose up close I can get a whiff that smells a bit like a river. Not bad, but there.

When I was using carbon there was zero odor. I'm not going to use it full time, just for about a week every few months.