ER9

just curious. iv'e had my tank up and running for about a month now and have completed the nitrate cycle. NH, NO2 and NO3 are all at 0.0.

today i did approx 10% water change and decided to wash out my filter sponge. i havn't done any filter maintanance since i started my tank. i have a hang on the back type filter with a sponge, carbon and bio stones.

i washed it out with some of the water from the tank as i was changing it and i noticed it was quite dirty. i dont understand exactlly where all the beneficial bacteria hang out. i was under the understanding its mainly in the bio stone.

it occured to me though and i'm curious if alot of the bacteria also are in the filter sponge and will this effect NH, NO2 or NO3 levels immediatelly after cleaning?

Butterfly

Washing out the sponges in used tank water is perfect A good bit of teh beneficial bacteria is in the sponge and this helps preserve them.
Since all your parameters are at 0 this indicates your cycle isn't quite over. When it is over you will have ammonia- 0, Nitrites - 0 and Nitrates about 10-20.
Carol

ER9

ahh cool good to know. guess i'm ok then. i should probably search the stickies for this but is there any rule of thumb as to how often one should do filter mainenance for the three different media?

i'm guessing the sponge should be washed at least once a month but i have no clue how often i should change the carbon or replace the bio stone...if ever?

Butterfly

I rinse my filter sponges about once a month, more often if they get sluggish. The bio stone just needs to be rinsed like the filter and hardly ever needs to be replaced.
Most of us don't use carbon except to remove medications from the water.
Most filters will come with carbon but it's just really not necessary.
what kind of filter do you have? sounds like an aquaclear
Carol

ER9

yep...aquaclear with the little pull out basket. i really like it. fairly quiet and convenient basket arrangment. not to mention it clears up my 20 gallon tank in a few minutes.

Butterfly

Thought I recognized the three step filtration Aquaclear is one of the better brands of filter out there After about a month I personally would dispose of the carbon it will have done all it's gonna do for you in that time period. If you wanted to keep some on hand in case you should have to medicate your fish you could use it to remove the meds.
Carol

ER9

very good....much thanks carol. interesting to find this out about carbon. and i always thought having it in there was critical. one less thing to worry about.

susitna-flower

You've got it, one less thing to worry about, and that many more $$$ for you to spend on fish instead of products!

ER9

and i'm about to enter the world of live plants so i might need it

calinb

I spend more time taking care of my plants than I spend taking care of my fish! Water changes are easy but I can't believe how much time I've spent on C02, planting, potting, fertilizing, tying, arranging, pruning/pinching, improving lighting, etc.

shellbell4ever

What does everyone mean "Washing out the sponges in used tank water"
Can someone please explaine?

Lucy

Hi shellbell4ever welcome to Fishlore!

When you are doing your water change, swish your filter media (if it needs it) in the tank water you have just taken out of your tank.
If you rinse it in untreated tap water, it will kill the beneficial bacteria living on it.

I hope that answers your questions.

shellbell4ever

Thank you very much you anwsered my question indeed