When do I change out filter stuff

[findingnemo2]

I have had my 110 cycling for 4 weeks now and I am wondering when do I need to change out my nova filter floss and all? I am afraid if I change it, I will loose all the good stuff, Thanks in advance!

 

[reefer545]

You must do ROUTINE cleanings, changings, etc. If you clean the floss once a week, you should be fine, if you have a FOWLR, if you have a reef tank, you should clean the filter once a week, but, you should really re[lac3e tjhej fiolter pad with LR. Same goes for filter floss floss unmless it is in your sump before your refugium, in which case you should also clean it weekly.

 

[rad]

change it when it gets dirty. if you do it once a month your fine. Id do a visual check and see if you have any brown build up. if not, I wouldnt change it. and dont worry about losing any of the good stuff, the floss is there for a reason: to take out the bad stuff.

 

[findingnemo2]

Thanks so much! I am going to check it first thing in the morning. This is a Rena canister filter, so, if it looks like it needs to be changed, I can change everything in it, the carbon, floss, great! Thanks for ya'lls help, just love this board! So helpful and fast with help when this newbie needs it.

 

[rad]

I misunderstood. If its a canister filter you will need to change out the carbon at least once a month. as far as the 'foam pads' go Id just rinse those. Saves you money and cleans them out just the same. Id start changing them every two to three months. Filter floss is the white and blue foam pads you buy at the LFS, the pads in your canister are going to be alittle different.

 

[findingnemo2]

Thanks Rad, will do first thing in the morning and anything to save a little with, the way everything for this addiction cost, thanks!

 

[maxalmon]

IMO filters should be rinsed every few days. Classic example is the overflow on my frag tank has a foam filter, I rinse it ever 3 days, I can rinse a steady stream of brown gunk from it for about 30-40 seconds.
.
Think of it this way, filters are meant to trap detritus or waterborn waste, but clean water is always passing thru this collection of "gunk" and flowing back into your tank. As far as running carbon for 30days, it's the same thing, a bag of carbon will trap an incredible amount of detritus after a few days and then you have water flowing thru this detritus and back into your tank.
.
Whenever you rinse you filter pads you should always rinse them in SW, not FW, this way the bacteria is not killed, but the pad is clean.
.

 

[findingnemo2]

Thanks to all who have helped,and I am on it this morning, scared to look in there! Ha! ha! Cheers everyone! maxalmon, where do I get frags and also, is it ok to start with those, I am assuming these are smaller versions of the adult corals? Thanks again!

 

[maxalmon]

For frags, you could trade with local reefers or join your local reef club. Once you get some expereince and feel comfortable you could trade with members of this board or you could purchase frags from any of the reputable forum members or various websites........I hate to say this, but there seems to be some marginal/bad advice floating around on several issues, just make sure you ask questions and that you understand why/how things are done, this will greatly expand your understanding of reefkeeping.

 

[rad]

depending where your located in texas you can join . its the southern texas marine aquarist society. lots of trades on the daily there.

 

[findingnemo2]

Thanks everyone!