Rinsing filter media and foam sponge or replace?

[GR00VY]

I have an aquaclear 70 and was wondering should I swish my foam sponge around in some saltwater to keep it from losing any beneficial bacteria? Or should I replace or rinse it out in a sink?

Second, what about the bio max? How often to replace it and do is it beneficial to replace it all or just 50 percent?

Thanks

 

[John Robbins]

It is generally best to clean the sponge in saltwater as you mentioned. That way, you keep the beneficial bacteria. I would do the same with the biomax if it is filling with detritus. I wouldnt bother replacing either one until they start to physically break down but just clean them as mentioned as needed.

 

[W1ngz]

If you have live rock in the tank you don't need the bio filtration in the filter, that's freshwater stuff. Swish out the foam block in some old tank water and replace the bio media with some carbon if you like, or another sponge or some filter floss for added mechanical filtration.

 

[GR00VY]

It is generally best to clean the sponge in saltwater as you mentioned. That way, you keep the beneficial bacteria. I would do the same with the biomax if it is filling with detritus. I wouldnt bother replacing either one until they start to physically break down but just clean them as mentioned as needed.

Thanks

 

[John Robbins]

Thanks

Cheers!

 

[GR00VY]

If you have live rock in the tank you don't need the bio filtration in the filter, that's freshwater stuff. Swish out the foam block in some old tank water and replace the bio media with some carbon if you like, or another sponge or some filter floss for added mechanical filtration.

Good to know. I picked up a nitrogen reducing pad because my nitrates were a bit high at 30-40ppm. My ammonia is at zero according to the Seachem badge and my nitrites were at 0.

 

[W1ngz]

Good to know. I picked up a nitrogen reducing pad because my nitrates were a bit high at 30-40ppm. My ammonia is at zero according to the Seachem badge and my nitrites were at 0.

Those pads will help get things under control. But you don't want to bottom out the nitrates either. While you're getting them under control you have some time to figure out the cause, maybe overfeeding, or if you're like me with my office tank, I'm super lazy with the water changes...

 

[GR00VY]

Those pads will help get things under control. But you don't want to bottom out the nitrates either. While you're getting them under control you have some time to figure out the cause, maybe overfeeding, or if you're like me with my office tank, I'm super lazy with the water changes...

It’s over feeding if I had to guess. I only have 2 clowns in this tank but they like to eat nonstop. Problem is that a lot goes uneaten. I need to balance it better. I am going to use the pad until I get the levels good and come up with a better feeding schedule.