Changing Filter Media For The First Time

[crmpicco]

I have a Fluval 3 Plus filter that has had the current media in place for around 18 months. I have two new Fluval media foam pads and, before I attempt it, i'd like to know how to go about this.
 
I am well aware that the media in the filter is vitally important to the health of my fish, and as such I always clean them out in tank water.
 
However, the indicator on the filter is always at half way which, according to the box, suggests that the media needs replaced.
 
My question is - how do I go about this safely? The last thing I want to do is cause unnecessary deaths in my tank in the days following a change, so i'd rather do it right than do it quickly and lose fish.

 

[Mikey1]

im not sure exactly what type of media you have in your filter, but i never replace more than 50% of my media at once, or even less if possible, it depends how many different media stages you have....as an example, if you had 3 seperate media in your filter i would only replace one at a time,
 
after you make a change, wait at least another 2 months before changing any more of it

 

[Brilly91]

I agree with Mikey1.
 
Change a small amount every couple of months if it needs changing.
 
I usually change 30% at the most myself but im always stupidly cautious.

 

[Mamashack]

Why are you changing the foam? Foam pads should last for years and years and shouldn't be replaced until they are literally falling apart! Save your money - it won't need replacing yet unless it was 2nd hand when you got it.

 

[Mikey1]

Why are you changing the foam? Foam pads should last for years and years and shouldn't be replaced until they are literally falling apart! Save your money - it won't need replacing yet unless it was 2nd hand when you got it.

 
i would say 18 months is a good/normal life span for foam

 

[This Old Spouse]

I agree with Mamashack. If it isn't falling apart, why change it? Foam and sponge should last for years. But if you should change it, is there room just to add a second piece without removing any of the original? I used to do this with the floss bags: I'd stick the old bag inside the new bag, then after several weeks remove the old bag.

 

[crmpicco]

It is the spongy foam pads that I have in my filter. There are two pads that come apart and slide into the filter in a housing.
 
One of them is fine, however one of them was falling to bits...although still working.
 
I had to do a 90% water change today to move my tank from my spare room upstairs, to the living room downstairs so as I was doing such as big change and clean of the tank I thought i'd look into changing one (or both) of the filter media.
 
On the advice of posters in this thread i've replaced one of the foam pads and left the other one in place.
 
The foam pads that were in were 2nd hand when I bought it and I have had them in place for 18 months - so they've done their job well!
 
Thanks for the advice!