Filter maintenance

[hyperman]

We have an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter for our 29G tank. How often should I clean the sponge and bio media? I believe I am supposed to swish them in some tank water in a bucket? We just started the tank a few weeks ago and had 6 fish and unfortunately have lost 2 already?? The LSF tested our water and see no issues. The readings are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 5 nitrates and the PH is 8.0. We do not have live plants. We have some silk plants and I have noticed some brown stains starting on some of them. Water is clear and no signs of algae. Any thoughts?

 

[rmiller]

When they tested, did they use strips or liquid and little test tubes?

AS for cleaning your filter, when you do a water change swish the sponge in the dirty tank water to remove any gunk that's built up. Once in a while Take the uptake tube off and wash it out in the dirty tank water, you can use a bottle brush or something similar. When you do the uptake tube, make sure your impeller is clean too. The biggest killer of HOB's is dirty impellers.

 

[hyperman]

They used test tubes to test the water. I also use the API test kit when I test it.

 

[hyperman]

With so few fish in the tank the gravel is very clean and so is the water. How often do I need to do a pwc and how much?

 

[rmiller]

That's where your nitrate test comes in. Watch for your nitrates to get to about 20. A 50% water change would get you back to 10 which is what most consider a good range to be in.