Filter Issue

[SlippyGuppy]

Hi all,

So I'm using the Aquael ASAP Filter 300 that came with my tank and it has started to become quite clogged up with various bits. I have been rinsing it out every time I do a water change (with the fishy water!) but think I should probably change it now as it's been in there for about 10 weeks. The problem is the foam / filter medium is encased within a plastic cartridge that cannot be opened.

From what I've read on this forum the sponge is like gold dust and my plan was to cut it in half and keep replacing half's as so to keep all my bacteria. Doesn't seem like this is an option and I have to get a new cartridge which means replacing the entire sponge.

I just went to my LFS to see what they said and the chap told me not to worry about that, it's not that important and I should just replace it, they said they'll be enough bacteria in other parts of the tank to cope with the change.

For obvious reasons I'm pretty dubious about that advice! I have seen filters that accept multiple cartridges and so I was thinking if I throw this one out and buy one of those then I can just replace one cartridge at a time?

Has anyone encountered a similar problem with their filter? Any tips please on what I should do? I'm pretty sure the advice from LFS isn't right.

If it helps I have a 60L tank, LFS tried to sell me a filter recommended for a 110L tank that was huge, obviously 60l isn't the best size and don't want the filter to take up loads of room. I currently have 7 endlers guppy, one male dwarf gourami and 5 cherry shrimp. Have seen that the tank may be a little small for the gourami but he seems pretty happy doing his thing, he's got lots of hiding places but seems to enjoy mingling with guppies..

Thanks in advance

 

[Essjay]

I googled your filter and found several videos on how to remove the sponge to clean it (or replace it).
 
Is this your filter http/aquael.com.pl/en/products/akwarystyka/filtry-wewnetrzne/204-asap-filter ? The page shows three models (300, 500 and 700) which are the same, just different sizes.
The various links to this filter show a bracket which attaches to the glass, the pump sits in the bracket and the media part is a sponge inside a clear oval 'bulb' (a bit like an elongated light bulb). The bulb detaches from the pump, and you just remove the bulb cover to pull the sponge out.

 

[Byron]

The store advice was correct this time, once the tank is established.  There are (or will be) far more bacteria of all types, including the nitrifiers, in the substrate than in the filter, plus bacteria colonize all surfaces covered by the tank water.  A bio-film forms, and bacteria adhere to it.  This is why you see snails and fish grazing surfaces; along with the bacteria, microscopic critters and algae will colonize the bio-films, everywhere.
 
This is one reason why the filter can be washed under the tap, or replaced, with no issues--again, provided the tank is established.  I would be more cautious in a new tank, as all this takes a bit of time.  If you have live plants, things are even better, as plants take up ammonia/ammonium and probably faster than bacteria according to studies.
 
To the filter, I like things simple.  I never replace the "hard" media in my canister filters, but I do replace the fine white pad with every filter cleaning, which is once a month or once every two months, depending upon the tank.  My sponge filters which I use in my smaller tanks (10g, 20g, 29g, 33g and 40g) are rinsed under the tap at every water change.  So if you want to retain the filter housing unit, look into getting a piece of filter foam instead of the packaged item, and you can rinse this each time and when it begins to fall apart, replace it.
 
[Edit: Sue posted while I was typing and has some advice on this aspect.]
 
I also agree on not using too large a filter.  This has no benefit whatsoever, and might well be the opposite, detrimental.  We've been discussing this in another thread, here:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/442130-canister-filter-size-bioload-is-bigger-better/
 
For a 15g tank, I would only use a sponge filter, or a small internal filter that is basically a sponge and motor (to avoid an air pump, up to you).  Sponge filters are about the best filtration you can have, which is why every canister and HOB filters incorporate a sponge/foam somewhere.
 
Byron.

 

[SlippyGuppy]

Thanks both for your advice, yes that's the one essjay, I've taken it apart but still see no way to remove the sponge without pulling it out the tiny hole at the bottom.

Thanks Byron, perhaps I was too quick to dismiss my LFS this time! Thanks for the info that's good to know. I have quite a few plants in and they're all looking really healthy. All my parameters are consistently good so happy I've no issues there!

I'll have a look at changing the sponge tomorrow then as the output has dropped quite a bit now that it's clogged so it's probably not doing the best job.

Your quick response is much appreciated!
Thanks for googling it Essjay, I sometimes forget I can just search for these things! I'll make sure I look myself first next time!

 

[Essjay]

There are quite a few videos on youtube showing how to get the sponge out. Some show the larger models but the method is the same. Just type in aquael asap 300 into google and view the youtube hits it brings up.
Yes, the hole in the bottom of the 'bulb' is quite narrow even after you've removed the black cover, but in the videos the sponge comes out quite easily.

 

[SlippyGuppy]

Just watched the video and see the little bit that comes out, just managed to get it off and get the sponge out, it was very dirty and I've given it a good rinse and all is working just fine again!

Thanks very much!

 

[Essjay]

Some of the people in the videos did seem to have a bit of difficulty pulling the little cover off and they knew what they were doing