Can I safely remove these

[DWill]

When I set my tank about 20 months I put the media plate you on the left side of the picture in the sump. Well, you see all that brown sand looking “Stuff”. That the plate disintegrating slowly. I clean that out every few weeks.

I want to take that plate out.
My question should I take it one piece at a time over a few weeks, or will it cause any issue if I talk it out all at once?

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

It may change your bio processing load as the primary goal of those things are to house nitrifying bacteria. With that being said, just keep an eye on your ammonia levels for a few days and you should be fine.

 

[vetteguy53081]

While I find these work, they will disintegrate over time and literally turn to sand and you dont want to wash them

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

While I find these work, they will disintegrate over time and literally turn to sand and you dont want to wash them

Assuming you can get them out of the tank in the first place. They are rediculously fragile and may disintegrate as you pull them out

 

[RedReefer]

Turn your return pump off when you remove them. Then vacuum that chamber in your sump wait 10 min and turn your return pump back on. After removing them keep a little closer eye on your parameters.