filter change

caseydtaylor · 12-09-2008, 02:47 PM

when doing a water change or changing the carbon in my filter should I rinse out the foam thing in my filter the filter hangs on the back of the tank I'm not sure what brand it is

Judge · 12-09-2008, 03:02 PM

I rinse my foam filter media in the water that I have siphoned when I am completing water changes. Thus way you do not kill off any beneficial bacteria. I hope this makes sense. If not, let me know and I will try and be more clear.

caseydtaylor · 12-10-2008, 04:45 AM

Yeah that makes alot of sense thank you

Jay · 12-10-2008, 03:56 PM

File this under "that's why they make Vanilla and Chocolate"

Quote:

I rinse my foam filter media in the water that I have siphoned when I am completing water changes. Thus way you do not kill off any beneficial bacteria. I hope this makes sense. If not, let me know and I will try and be more clear.

I rinse my filter foam in the sink under hot water and sometimes a mild bleach solution or throw away the bio bag. I want my beneficial bacteria to be ubiquitous in the tank and not confined to one area...the filter.

Jay

orb4me · 12-16-2008, 06:46 PM

Rinse them in the old fish water is best for now.

Later on you can clean them with 1:9 ratio of bleach and water, but not for a few months at best. If your using the little white ring shaped things in a bag, you can use them for ever is what I was told, I do rinse them off. I think I would toss them if my tank got sick. JMO anyway

Loman · 12-16-2008, 10:20 PM

I agree with Jay it is largely personal preference.

I tend to use warm tap water on my fresh and salt tanks

That said the one thing I would watch is to be sure that whatever water you use, you get the debris that is collected rinsed away. If you just churn up the debris in the existing water but soak it back up in the sponge it will do little good and will start to create significant nitrates. Something to watch out for

caseydtaylor · 12-17-2008, 02:31 AM

Thanks I think for now fishy water will be best because my tank is not that mature. from what I have read you want a couple of good cycles before you remove any bacteria. so for now I think I will try to remove the goo in fishy water

Jay · 12-18-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Thanks I think for now fishy water will be best because my tank is not that mature. from what I have read you want a couple of good cycles before you remove any bacteria. so for now I think I will try to remove the goo in fishy water

I love it...from two opposite and informed opinions a sound, well thought out, decision is reached. That's what hobbyist helping hobbyist is all about.

Jay

caseydtaylor · 12-19-2008, 01:41 PM

Its nice to know you can go somewhere and ask a question and someone will try to help you. I appreciate it look forward too seeing me around.