Since I bought this filter I have to deal with this residue that forms in the filter and then eventually spit it out in the aquarium, is it best to try and remove it?
Posted by Reiixa
4 Comments
AverageJoe1992Author on
If it’s a problem, rinse it. That residue is what it’s taking out of your tank. Extra food, dead stuff, plant matter etc. All goes into the filter
ThymeTheory on
When doing a water change if I’m not on a gravel week, I’ll take the sponges out and clean them in the water I’ve taken out, along with all my aquarium ornaments, don’t use “fresh/clean water” or chemicals, and dont do it the same week you clean your gravel, they both house beneficial bacteria and cleaning both at the same time will shock your tank.
Rogthgar on
When I think its time for a water change I usually just take all the filter sponges (mine has several different sorts) and rinse them out before putting them back. Most of them can be reused like this despite what the producer recommends.
Along side that, I have a gravel-vacuum that takes care of all the gunk that falls to the bottom. Its not that this will get into the filter unless you disturb it, but it just makes things a little nicer… knowing there is not a layer of fish-plop, rotting food and whatever else lurking just under the top layer.
Merlisch on
Garden hose or bucket of tap water.
Unless you soak the sponge etc for ages the chlorine will do next to nothing to the bacteria.
I only rinse in tank water if I can’t be arsed to leave the house or take the filter out of a tank.
4 Comments
If it’s a problem, rinse it. That residue is what it’s taking out of your tank. Extra food, dead stuff, plant matter etc. All goes into the filter
When doing a water change if I’m not on a gravel week, I’ll take the sponges out and clean them in the water I’ve taken out, along with all my aquarium ornaments, don’t use “fresh/clean water” or chemicals, and dont do it the same week you clean your gravel, they both house beneficial bacteria and cleaning both at the same time will shock your tank.
When I think its time for a water change I usually just take all the filter sponges (mine has several different sorts) and rinse them out before putting them back. Most of them can be reused like this despite what the producer recommends.
Along side that, I have a gravel-vacuum that takes care of all the gunk that falls to the bottom. Its not that this will get into the filter unless you disturb it, but it just makes things a little nicer… knowing there is not a layer of fish-plop, rotting food and whatever else lurking just under the top layer.
Garden hose or bucket of tap water.
Unless you soak the sponge etc for ages the chlorine will do next to nothing to the bacteria.
I only rinse in tank water if I can’t be arsed to leave the house or take the filter out of a tank.