Multiple Component Filters

[fish-rookie]

I have a Rio 180L tank with the standard 5-part filter that comes with it.

There are
three blue foam pads (1x coarse 2x fine) that I guess are for the bacteria to colonate
a green "nitrate removal" sponge
a black carbon sponge to remove chemicals

So far I have been changing all the filters as the user manual dictates, which is a little costly.

I'm wondering what the general opinion is on how necessary these changes are. Do all these sponges need changing as frequently as the company that sells them would like? Can I get away with not changing any of them until they start to fall apart?

FR

 

[mp7125]

I have a Rio 180L tank with the standard 5-part filter that comes with it.

There are
three blue foam pads (1x coarse 2x fine) that I guess are for the bacteria to colonate
a green "nitrate removal" sponge
a black carbon sponge to remove chemicals

So far I have been changing all the filters as the user manual dictates, which is a little costly.

I'm wondering what the general opinion is on how necessary these changes are. Do all these sponges need changing as frequently as the company that sells them would like? Can I get away with not changing any of them until they start to fall apart?

FR

The general consensus is you don't need the carbon sponge unless you are removing medication. I have a Rio 125 and have taken out the carbon one and replaced it with a course blue one, cut in half. All the other sponges can be washed periodically and only replace when they fall apart. The white poly pads need to be replaced weekly, I bought 120 (2 year supply) from a seller on ebay for £7.50.

 

[for_my_fish]

instead of the white pads, just buy a roll of filter roll and tear to shape. cheap as anything. Shouldn't really have ot do much with the other sponges if you pick this out and throw each week

 

[Rob.S]

I'm still using the original blue pads - now around 6 years old. They get washed every few months. I also use the filter roll, that "for-my fish" mentioned.

 

[for_my_fish]

I can't type. filter 'wool' is what I call it. Had a bag for bout two years, though admittedly now I use external filters its not often I use it.

 

[fish-rookie]

As I suspected then, many thanks guys!

 

[archamfr]

if u throw away the filter media every week, ur tank aitn cycled.