When to rinse new filter sponge?

I completed my fishless cycle (6/2-6/18) and added 2 swordtails and 2 platies in my 29 gallon long yesterday. After 17 hours, they appear healthy and are poking around the tank.

All this time, I have not touched the filter because I was afraid of disturbing the bacteria. At the next water change, can I rinse out the sponge and clean the intake tube using tank water? I see I might change the carbon filter too.

I want to make sure I don't mess up the tank cycle I so carefully built up!


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PupukahI I holomua.

 

You can, just make sure you don't use tap water to clean your filter. Just some tank water in a bucket and swish the media in it to take out any debris there might be in it. In take tubing doesn't have to be cleaned, unless you see some clogging. I good thing would be to place a sponge permanently onto the intake.

Best of luck

 

Okay, glad I can rinse it out with tank water.

A sponge on the intake at the end that sucks up the water? Glue it on? Would that affect its speed and functionality?


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PupukahI I holomua.

 

I cut an 'X' into one side of an appropriately sized hunk of sponge, and wiggle my finger into the hole until it is deep enough to fit snugly over the intake. I only notice a decrease in flow when the intake sponge gets all gunked up. Then I just pull it off, give it a. swish and a squeeze in tank water, and stick it back on. Plus it's one more thing that can be 'borrowed' to cycle a new tank. Personally, I feel like this increases functionality a it increases surface area for bacteria to live on, adds another later of mechanical filtration, and increases the life of the other media.

 

Okay, glad I can rinse it out with tank water.

A sponge on the intake at the end that sucks up the water? Glue it on? Would that affect its speed and functionality?


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PupukahI I holomua.

No need to glue it, the intake pressure will keep it there.

Semilla made a fine suggestion, i'd go with that