Filter Changes - How Often

[paulw]

I've got a RIO 125 (125 litres). Can anyone give advice about filter changes. I change the white ones every week, but not sure how often I should do the others.

Can anyone help?

 

[Bryan1957]

I have only replaced one or two filter cartridges this year. I rinse the filter medium in tank water to get the heavy particles off and then put it back in the filter. I can usually tell when the filters need cleaning, but in my tanks I only need to clean the particles off about once every two weeks. The filters only need to be replaced when they have holes unless you change them for a specific reason like medications in a tank.
It really isn't necessary to change the filter medium when it gets dirty. The bacteria live on the filter medium and will be lost when you change them or wash them in chlorinated water.
HTH
Bryan

 

[Bloo]

I used to clean my internal Juwel filter on a weekly basis - though I had a heavily stocked tank.
Wash the sponges lightly in some siphoned tank water and every few weeks you should check the impellor and filter chamber too - as this can get clogged up.

Sponges don't really need to be replaced unless they fall apart. Though the black carbon sponge only has a few weeks "life" and that needs to be replaced often, but many people don't even use the carbon sponge.
The white filter floss can be rinsed or entirely replaced on a weekly basis. Mine used to bee too dirty to rinse (without falling apart) so I just replaced it.