What's the best way to replace the Purigen and Chemipure Elite?

[tirtza]

I use both Purigen and Chemipure Elite in my aquarium as part of the 'chemical filtration'. It's been nearly 6 months and I think it's time to change them out. Do I put the new bags in with the old ones for a little while, or will the bioballs and live rock supply enough bio-filtration that I can just take out the old ones immediately?
My phosphate level was .25 which I think might be another indicator that it's time to change the Purigen. Would you agree with this assumption?
I know I can regenerate the purigen, but I just don't want to take the chance using bleach and accidentally killing everything in my tank. Besides.....I have a 1/2 a bottle of left over Purigen from the last time, so all I'll need to to is get two fine mesh filtration bags to put it in
If you have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks

 

[btldreef]

I'm with you on not regenerating the Purigen, I won't do it either, it's cheap enough to replace that it's not worth it.
I replace my ChemiPure Elite and Purigen pads every 3 months. I just replace them at separate times, doing both together could potentially "shock" the system, although the risk is small. Just swap them out a week apart from each other and you'll be fine.

 

[tirtza]

Thanks TommieLynn! I had a 1/2 bottle of Purigen left over from the first bag I filled so I just took out the old one today and poured the rest of the bottle in the new bag. Next time I purchase Purigen I plan on buying the type that's already pre-bagged. The bottle I had said that the contents would treat up to 250 gallons of water (I only have a 29 gallon tank), so I'm sure I used more than I needed to (I'm confident that won't hurt anything, its just a waste of money). I'll wait a week as you suggested before switching out the old bag Chemi-Pure Elite for a new one. The LFS I was at today only carried Chemi-Pure (not the 'Elite' variety), the employee told me that there wasn't a significant difference except for in price. Is this true? I didn't purchase it, because I wanted to wait and see what everyone else thinks.

 

[btldreef]

The difference between the Elite and regular version is that the Elite has a phosphate remover in it. The phosphate remover doesn't last that long though, so some consider a waste of money. I haven't really noticed whether it makes a difference or not, I just use the Elite, because my LFS doesn't carry the regular in the large size container for my tank (180) and they don't charge extra for it.