Filter Changes

[smallpond]

How often do you change your filter ? Mine isn't clogging or anything but I am just wondering, everyone at the pet store seems to think it has to be done every few weeks. I know that benificial bacterian build up in it and help out but how long do they take to get there?

 

[Kyrielle]

Most people just rinse out the top most sponge in some tank water. With filters that have a filter floss cartridge, just take an old toothbrush or your finger nails and give it a bit of a scrub in old tank water when it starts looking a little gooey. I see no point in replacing it every few weeks when it works perfectly well just rising the gunk out. Only time I'd replace it is if the floss gets seriously frayed and is falling apart, or it gets so clogged you can't get it clean enough to work.