Does anyone clean their bubble trap foam?

[Drdrew99]

Is it loaded with all sorts of good denitrifying bacteria? Or is it just a bunch of muck? If people recommend cleaning the foam, any suggestions for best methods?

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Every week, usually when I do my water change. I put tank water from the change in a bucket and swish/squeeze it by hand to get the gunk out. And you can get a LOT of gunk out of it!

 

[mta_morrow]

I have 2 bubble trap filters. One in use, one cleaned and ready.

I change them out during my wc.

I rinse well in a deep sink in the garage, place in a bucket of tap water for a few hours or a day, then rinse again and let dry.

 

[mfinn]

I have a bubble trap of sorts between my refugium and the return section.
I use the same type of foam block to mostly prevent the macro algae from getting into the return pump.
I know that while it may contain some bacteria, the tiny amount ( compared to the live rock in the tank) is not needed for the tank to function.
I do wait until I see the levels between the 2 chambers change. The more it clogs, the higher the water level gets in the refugium, and lower in the return section. I'll change it when I see it make enough difference to activate my float switch to the top off.

Then I clean it or just replace it.

 

[Drdrew99]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Waynerock]

Every 2 to3 weeks just take it out and squeeze it out several times under the sink and slap it back in. Sucks though cause my pods have made homes in the foam but at least they get sucked into the return when I take the foam out. Some so anyway

Is it loaded with all sorts of good denitrifying bacteria? Or is it just a bunch of muck? If people recommend cleaning the foam, any suggestions for best methods

 

[rkpetersen]

I clean mine out under hot running water once a month. Then squeeze into a ball, rinse with RODI water, and put back.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Every 2 weeks and I sun dry