Filter Question

[jang]

On my 29 gal. I have a HOB AquaClear70. It has the foam filter, the activated carbon as well as something they call a biomax insert which looks like ceramic peices. I also have LR and LS in there. It is in the process of finishing up it's cycle. My question is, when should I clean out all the filter material. I know I probably can't do all at once or I'll ruin all the good bacteria. I have nothing in the tank so far, but once I put my fish and inverts in there, I don't want to hurt them.
The other thing I was wondering is if I can use the filter, minus all the inserts, as a small refugium as with the LR and LS I should need the filter stuff. Is this true or did I mis-understand.
And, for my last question today, I'm thinking of stocking with the following.
Red lipped or bi-color blenny
3 pajama cardinals
1 dwarf angel of some kind....to be determined and added much later.
Does this sound okay?
Thank you guys for all your help. :happyfish

 

[turningtim]

How much LR/LS do you have? If its enough then you should be fine for bio-filtration. I would keep the filter just for added flow and carbon/phosban every once in a while.
HTH
Tim

 

[jang]

Tim, thank you for answering.
I have 10 lbs of LS mixed with 50 lbs argonite plus approx. 20 lbs LR and some base rock.
I was wondering too if I can fill up the filter with LR pieces or do I need a much larger area for that to work as a refugium?