Canister filter media
- Thread starter coderad
- Start date
ophiura
Active Member
Well, first, though not bad a lot of people with salt tanks do not run canister filters.
It is IMPERATIVE that whatever you use, you clean that filter regularly. The biomedia should be rinsed at least monthly, IMO, with TANK WATER when you do a water change. Never tap or fresh water.
Any sponges and filter pads also must be regularly rinsed.
Due to issues with taking these down and cleaning them, people don't often use them. But they can contribute, like other filter types, to nitrate issues and even pH problems if not properly cleaned regularly.
It is IMPERATIVE that whatever you use, you clean that filter regularly. The biomedia should be rinsed at least monthly, IMO, with TANK WATER when you do a water change. Never tap or fresh water.
Any sponges and filter pads also must be regularly rinsed.
Due to issues with taking these down and cleaning them, people don't often use them. But they can contribute, like other filter types, to nitrate issues and even pH problems if not properly cleaned regularly.
ophiura
Active Member
The most important thing is that the biomedia is never rinsed in freshwater, as it (more specifically the cholorine) will kill the beneficial bacteria.
Other media that is not a biological media can be rinsed in freshwater as its contribution to biological filtration should be minimal.
Any media such as filter pads, etc that are primarily mechanical in nature - meaning they specifically trap debris, food, etc should be rinsed frequently to avoid water quality issues and as such may be rinsed in freshwater, IMO.
YOu do have live rock and sand? If so then it is not likely your sponges are much use in biolgical filtration and they should be rinsed frequently.
Other media that is not a biological media can be rinsed in freshwater as its contribution to biological filtration should be minimal.
Any media such as filter pads, etc that are primarily mechanical in nature - meaning they specifically trap debris, food, etc should be rinsed frequently to avoid water quality issues and as such may be rinsed in freshwater, IMO.
YOu do have live rock and sand? If so then it is not likely your sponges are much use in biolgical filtration and they should be rinsed frequently.