cleaning sponge block filter media

[Filter Mechanic]

What happens to the bacteria in the sponge block when it is washed and squeezed out with chlorinated city tap water. We use water from our shallow well for running the tank and the sump. Thanks...Filter Mechanic

 

[mfdrookie516]

you need to rinse the sponge in dirty tank water when you do a water change. the chlorine will kill the bacteria in the sponge (thats its job, hence the reason its in tap water)

 

[Filter Mechanic]

you need to rinse the sponge in dirty tank water when you do a water change. the chlorine will kill the bacteria in the sponge (thats its job, hence the reason its in tap water)

Ok, dirty it is. Maybe we've been lucky so far that the bacteria living on the various structures and surfaces of the tank make up the difference for the bugs in the sponges. No crash issues. Thank you for your input.