Throwing away filter media

Hi guys. I’m about to ramble so I hope this makes sense. So I’ve had my 33 gallon up and running a few months now. I have 2 hob tidal filters. I haven’t removed any of the filter media pads yet from either filter to replace. When you guys dispose of your filter pads is it best to squeeze or ring them out back into the tank to try and save the most beneficial bacteria you can? Or does squeezing the pad out kill a lot of the BB, so you might as well just throw it away? I originally put 2 filter pads in each basket with the seachem matrix and some sponge. I am always so hesitant to throw any of the media away. How do you guys manage the process of rinsing or replacing media? Is there a way to salvage some before discarding? Thanks!!

 

When I use a hang on back filter the media is not thrown out for years. Most often the HOB stops working and the fabric is just the same as day one. I tend to toss the cartridges and use foam sheet and ceramic media on day one.

Swishing and squeezing the old pads in old tank water is all anybody does in my town.

 

Right now I am using sponge in the bottom of filter followed by aquatic experts dual density filter pad(I bought a roll and cut about 12 of them) and then I have some seachem matrix and fluval bio rings. So your saying I should never replace the filter pads? Just rinse them out in tank water but no need to put in a brand new one? Thanks for the reply

 

To be clear, when you say "filter pads", are you referring to the white fine floss pads to catch small muck?

If so, just toss them.

The sponge foam pads though are not to be replaced.

 

Hi islandvic. I’m referring to this stuff. I bought a roll and pre cut a bunch of them to size. Toss them after a few months? But keep the sponge, bio max and seachem matrix right?

 

Seems to be a great product and the customer service has been great

 

That stuff is one of the better bulk roll filter pads in my experience.

It should be able to be rinsed off and reused a couple of times.

Once it starts to come apart, then toss it.

I would not squeeze them out back in the tank. That just releases a ton of muck and not really much beneficial bacteria.