Cleaning Bio media in canister filters

[Slade]

I've had a canister on my cichlid tank for about 2 years now. I've just got two more for my other tanks - I like the idea of bio in the canisters with cleaning every 3 months, and a HOB with sponge/pads/floss that I rinse weekly with my PWC.

Anyway, I'm wondering if just rinsing my bio media (I use Eheim mech / substrat pro) in tank water is enough, or if it needs to be cleaned/recharged eventually to unclog the pores. Eheim suggests replacing half the substrat pro every 6 months - that's not going to happen at those prices, but I do want it to be as efficient as possible.

 

[Delapool]

I think if your water specs are good then I would just keep re-using.

 

[Fidgetromeo]

i just keep rinsing mine in tank water, i have heard about some people boiling some of the media to give it a deep clean but ive never tried that.

 

[parky]

The maker is always going to say you need to change media at a set rate. Simply because they want to make money from you!

I would say keep doing what your doing and checking your levels.

Change i something goes way out of line or the media is falling apart, but only part change media.