Question: Filter maintenance.

[bizoot]

Hey guys I know this topic has been discussed a lot but I'd love to get some new insights on it.
I currently have an Axie tank setup using a Fluval 106 filter.
Currently in the filter are:
1. Fluval Biomax
2. Fluval carbon
3. Fluval polishing pad
After a lot of asking around I've decided to remove the Fluval carbon and replace it with wool like soft FOAM material (I don’t know the exact name).
My questions are about replacement or cleaning of the above.
According to the fluval manual:
1. Fluval Biomax – should be rinsed monthly using aquarium water. Replaced every 6 months.
2. Wool like soft FOAM material – same as Biomax.
3. Fluval polishing pad – should be replaced every 3 months or sooner if clogged.
My questions are:
1. When washing (whatever) using aquarium water, should I clean it thoroughly? Does it need to seem clean to the naked eye? Or do I just need to clean out the big chunks? There's no info on this matter. (Basically I'm afraid cleaning too thoroughly would get rid of all the good bacteria buildup).
2. Polishing pad – why do I have to replace it every 3 months? Can't I rinse it also?
3. Should I empty out all the (very dirty) water inside the filter?
4. Any other input or advice would be greatly appreciated!
5. Thanks :happy:

 

[Nano]

1.
Yes, cleaning it thoroughly is important to prevent a buildup of waste and don't worry; you cannot wash out the good bacteria (but chlorinated water will kill it)
If the water you've syphoned from your tank is too dirty you could always fill a bucket with tap water and add de-chlorinator then wait a couple of minutes before its safe

2.
Polishing pads do have to be replaced frequently as they get so clogged up. If you leave it in too long it will begin to inhibit the flow of the filter. Rather than buying fluval's polishing pads you can just buy filter wool on a roll online and cut it to size. But it is worth having as it clears the water very well.
(This is what I use so look out for stuff like this)

As for the foam and bio-max they don't really need replacing very often at all. Replace the foam filter if it starts to fall apart and replace the bio-max when it looks completely clogged up (but don't replace it all at once). I put my bio-max after the polishing pads so that they don't get blocked (they're not meant to filter any bits in the water anyway)

3. You can empty the water from the filter no problem. Just use that little priming pump thing to fill it back up and when its full give it a couple of shakes to get rid of the bubbles inside.

4. In conclusion

• Wash the media as well as you can in dechlorinated/aquarium water.
• You're right not to use carbon; its expensive and its effects are short lived.
• Buy your own filter wool and cut it to size so you can replace it as needed without spending loads.
• You don't need to replace the bio-max and foam as often as they say.
• And you can empty the filter without anything bad happening (as long as you don't leave it empty for too long as you don't want the media to dry out completely)

5. You're welcome. I hope this information helps.

 

[bizoot]

Thanks for the very detailed response and a happy new year!

 

[Holly12]

I use an aquaclear and I never change the sponges or biomass ever. I will squeeze them out into a bucket of the dirty tank change water though. I also clean the impeller and tube once every few months.