Osage_Winter
Aquarium Advice FINatic
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2010
- Messages
- 807
During the last couple of water changes I completed, I also took the opportunity to clean out my Aqueon and AquaClear filters, making sure all was good in there and thoroughly rinsing all the media (the cartridges in the Aqueon, which I need to replace anyway, and the sponge block in the AC) and also checking on the status of my Purigen bags in there (it seems they're all beginning to turn orange-y red; I think they need replacing when they turn dark brown, correct?).
At any rate, it got me thinking...what's the "maintenance" schedule like for the AC's media? The sponge never needs replacing, right, just constant rinsing during maintenance and changes? If so, I have been doing that -- but instead of the carbon bag that came with the filter I am using layers of Seachem PhosGuard and two bags of Purigen side by side...on top of the Seachem stuff is the mesh sack of ceramic bio rings that also came with the 110. I know the rings don't need replacing either, as they carry the BB colonies, but is it okay for me to continue using the Purigen as the "in between" media between the sponge and bio rings? Should I add another sponge for better mechanical filtration?
Which part of the AquaClear media is the part that "polishes" the water and traps debris the best -- is it the sponge? If so, should I double up on this part of the media roster?
Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
At any rate, it got me thinking...what's the "maintenance" schedule like for the AC's media? The sponge never needs replacing, right, just constant rinsing during maintenance and changes? If so, I have been doing that -- but instead of the carbon bag that came with the filter I am using layers of Seachem PhosGuard and two bags of Purigen side by side...on top of the Seachem stuff is the mesh sack of ceramic bio rings that also came with the 110. I know the rings don't need replacing either, as they carry the BB colonies, but is it okay for me to continue using the Purigen as the "in between" media between the sponge and bio rings? Should I add another sponge for better mechanical filtration?
Which part of the AquaClear media is the part that "polishes" the water and traps debris the best -- is it the sponge? If so, should I double up on this part of the media roster?
Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.