When To Change Filter Media?

SPANKYSREEF · 10-06-2004, 09:19 AM

Hi Everyone
I have a 25 gal Eclipse system---40# live rock (40 days old). I know I am supposed to leave the bio-wheel alone, but should I change the media cartridge in the hood? It is dark brown and looks to be crawling with life. Thanks in advance...........spankysreef

darthteddy · 10-06-2004, 09:31 AM

take the whole wheel out. All you really need the filter for is the water movement in my opinion. Since you have the LR then that will filter most of your water.

SPANKYSREEF · 10-06-2004, 09:35 AM

Thanks Darth! I Should Remove Both Media Cartridge And The Bio-wheel?

darthteddy · 10-06-2004, 06:47 PM

depends what kind of media it is.

darthteddy · 10-06-2004, 06:48 PM

i am not positive but i heard that the bio wheel traps nitrates or somethin. not sure tho. Ask some one who knows more tham i do.

SPANKYSREEF · 10-06-2004, 08:22 PM

will do---thanks again

RobinsonFam1 · 10-06-2004, 09:10 PM

the bio wheels tend to create more nitrates than remove them. The bacteria required to remove trates is anerobic bacteria whch means oxygen free. that bacteria can not thrive if is contacting air.
if the ffilter is floss or sponge then you are adding fuel to the fire. in my nano i use a floss filter with carbon and change the pads about every 1-2 weeks or so. carbon is really only beneficial for about 1 month typically. floss and sponge will usually create more nitrates as well. i only use them as a mechanical filter. LR for bio filter and the carbon for chemical filter. my tank seems to do well like this.

HTH
BR

SPANKYSREEF · 10-06-2004, 11:38 PM

Thanks BR!

darthteddy · 10-08-2004, 09:19 PM

you can have sponges you just have to clean them about twise a week

RobinsonFam1 · 10-08-2004, 10:02 PM

darth is correct, just dont let floss or sponges go, they will get away from you. my personal experience is that if you have sponges then try to get the easiest one to clean. which usually means larger pores. fluval sponges are pretty easy to clean and floss is cheap enough to just toss out when done.

darthteddy · 10-08-2004, 10:52 PM

Precise my friend. i have even seen someone who had a serise of nets with very fine openings as aprefilter to his regular filter. Id stick to sponges tho.