Changing Filter Media

[J-Money]

On another forum I frequent they suggested that canister filters are generally nitrate factories and if you use them you need to change the floss and such every 48 hours. I thought that all the life that ends up in there ends up being another bio filter and you don't need to change it so much (once a month tops???)....any ideas?

 

[Navarre]

nothing in my canister other than sponges. I dont change this at all as its a perfect environment for sponges, seasquirts and pods.

 

[J-Money]

sponges like from wal-mart or sponges from the ocean? Should I take the floss and the carbon out and hope it just keeps big chunks of stuff between the trays? Also, did you ever run it with the floss and such in and have you seen a difference...lol how's that for a barrage of questions?

 

[Great Lakes]

I have heard much from both sides on this subject.

Myself, I don't run anything but liverock and my skimmer. I will occasionally run a canister with amquel or carbon if an emergency arises.

GL

 

[Navarre]

I have removed all sponges (filter sponges) and floss. The cannister is merely an empty shell.

However...

My tank is not as clear anymore and i put this down to not having flter floss. The water carries small particles in it and its really irritating. Im considering replacing the sponges and floss back in the sump where it can easily be cleaned and replaced.

 

[J-Money]

What if I took the floss out but left the carbon in...would that work ok (less nitrates)? How often would I have to change the carbon? )

 

[chkltcow]

I'm running a Fluval 204 canister on my little 5g reef with much the same idea as Navarre. I've pulled out all the foam on the one side of it, and left the media baskets in on the other as a place to put carbon and phosphate remover. I also filled the top basket with floss to catch all the fine stuff before it can make it back into my tank, and the water is absolutely crystal clear right now! I'll probably pull that out before too much longer, and maybe take the media baskets out entirely.