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It it true that you never change the filter material and just rinse it off every month?
I thought you change the filter every month.
Thanks for your advice,
ABF

Hi,
Actually, it depends upon what you are talking about
changing. If your filter uses a sponge, then to clean
it you just swish it around in some clean water and
squeeze it, let it expand, and squeeze it again, several
times, then replace it in the filter. You don't need to
replace the sponge until it becomes frayed or "ratty"
and will no longer expand to fit the space.

The carbon, should be changed regularly. IMO, monthly.
If you have the bulk carbon, then you can frequently
"recharge" it by baking it dry on a cookie sheet in an
oven. You can purchase granulated carbon in containers
of various sizes, and refill the filter with fresh
carbon, while "recharging" another batch.

If you are talking about the cottony material called
"Filter Floss" throw it away after each use and add new
floss.

If you are talking about the "bio balls" or ceramic rings
then again you can rinse them off as with a sponge (minus
the squeezing part ) and place them back into the
filter.

Does that answer the question?

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

sry I wasn't Specific enough the carbon filled fiters
I never heard of heating the carbon granules. I always just put the carbon in a new filter every month.
Thanks for your advice
ABF

Hi ABF and Frank,
Frank is right there about rinsing off sponge and noodles etc, but please only use old fishtank water, do not rinse sponges , noodles and bio balls etc, under the tap and replace back into tank as you may kill all your benficial bateria on the filter media. Good luck. Muss

you can also use some dechlorinated water to wash filter mediums off just fine. I like to let my sponges soak in some while i'm doing a water change- usualy what comes out of my vaccume is just as dirty as what ever is in the sponge.