Bio-ball/Bio-bale rinsing!

[rickzter]

Hey guys, my tank just turned 1 year! I have noticed detritus buildup in the bio-bale section of my filter. Since it is very easy to take out without the need to stop the filter or anything else, I wanna rinse it for the first time due to this. I've always had lingering phosphate traces and could never get them steady at 0ppm. They have gone as high as .5ppm and cleaned my return pump not long ago, now it's time for the bale.

Question is, should I rinse this in tap, RO/DI or salt? I know my gut tells me I should not rinse the bale in tap, so I can arrange for RO/DI or salt... which and how should I rinse it?

[Monacle]

My instincts tell me to rinse it in SW, that is up to temp with the tank. This way you can rinse off all the nasties, but not harm any beneficial bacteria that is living on the bale. Now this only applies if you use the bale for beneficial bacteria surface area. If your only purpose for the bale is to catch large particles in, then trying to save bacteria is not a priority and you could rinse it in tap water. Just my thoughts. Anyone, agree, disagree?

GLTA

[jtReef]

I'm not sure about if you should or not rinse it but I would say to rinse in RO/DI or salt. Never tap. That could just bring back some more phosphates.
I wonder if just rinsing 1/2 of it at a time and stagger the cleaning cycle would help.

[Monacle]

Yup, sounds right. Either ro/di, or salt. Thanks jt.

[amcarrig]

Salt. If you rinse in freshwater, be it tap or r.o., you will kill off bacteria. Best to play it safe