Cleaning filter material

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Scoffer, Jan 11, 2007.

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  1. Scoffer

    Scoffer Banned

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2004
    Messages:
    310
    Location:
    Jacksonville, Florida
    how often should I clean my filter media? the blue and white material in my wet/dry??

    I rarely see anthing in it, but didnt know if I should wash it out, or just leave it in...

    TIA

    Scoffer
     
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  3. tmgrash

    tmgrash Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2006
    Messages:
    42
    Location:
    Alvin, Tx
    well

    I am a newbie to reefs but have plenty of freshwater experience, and here is what I have learned- clean it when its dirty, j/k kinda:p What has worked for me over the years is when I clean them off I try to just get the big nasty junk off the outside of the filter media and not do too much thourough cleaning. The reason why is because your filter media contains a lot of the biological filtration for your tank and you dont want to get rid of all that at one time. On the other hand all the detris removed from your display into your filter media is still in your tank/water circulation, so you want to get it out just dont go crazy with the cleaning of it.


    whats worked for me
    Travis
     
  4. nemo79

    nemo79 Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2006
    Messages:
    1,119
    Location:
    ontario, canada
    Rinse Your Filter Media 1 To 2 Times A Week Depending On Your Buildup. I Do Mine Once A Week Because It Doesn't Get Really Dirty. If You Don't Clean The Media It Will Cause Nitrate Problems. Aslo Replace The Media Frequently...every Few Weeks.
     
  5. bouraganes

    bouraganes Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2005
    Messages:
    441
    I'm the do it when it needs it type-I usually rinse and reuse mine a couple of times- as tmrash stated you get the benefits of biofiltration from your filter media
     
  6. milesm4

    milesm4 Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2007
    Messages:
    175
    I clean mine on Wednesdays and Saturdays and replace it every other week. It starts to feel soft and "mushy" when it needs replacing and doesn't seem to be as fluffed up.