Washing filter media

[minkin]

Can anyone tell me how often I should be washing/cleaning my filter media??

The tank is a (all in one) innovative marine 30g. Its a fowlr. At both corners there is an overflow which then goes into the back of my tank. The filtration is kinda like a plastic basket (one each side) and they hold a mechanical sponge, then underneath an activated carbon sponge then finally under neath that a phosphate sponge.

 

[Surfer]

I think you should rinse everything out in old tank water after a water change. That way the BB doesn't die. (For the mechanical sponge)

 

[minkin]

That's what I'm currently doing, every 1-2 weeks when I water change I use the water taken out of the tank and wash the filtration media in there. I'm currently washing all 3 sponges. Do I only need to do the mechanical?

 

[Surfer]

Yes, from my knowledge just clean the mechanical. replace the carbon when it loses its effectiveness. Hopefully someone with better experience can chime in.

 

[minkin]

Yes that was my next question. If I don't need to clean the carbon and phosphate sponges how often do I need to replace them?

Mr X...are you out there?

 

[minkin]

Anyone experienced out there to help?

 

[baron1282]

I clean my filters out every week. I use to not squeeze them out, but I was corrected and your suppose too squeeze them out apparently. Just make sure to do it in your dirty tank water only.

I change my carbon out once a month, and my phosphate I will go with for two months. I never really thought about a replacement schedule, but that has been working for me.