Replacing Filter Pad & Carbon

[FishSurf]

A few weeks ago, I had to take the carbon out of my filter to treat my tank for ich. Now that I am pretty sure the ich is gone, I am curious about how to replace the carbon. Is it as simple as just putting new carbon into the filter pouch and calling it good, or is there something else that needs to be done?
 
My second question is about replacing the actual filter pouch. I have just been cleaning it once a month or so in siphoned tank water in a bucket. But it is getting pretty dirty. To replace it, should I let the substrate and water get dirty for a while and then put a new pad in? Thanks in advance.

 

[Lilfishy]

You don't need carbon in your filter unless you want to remove any meds.
Don't replace your pouch or sponge in the filter unless it's falling apart, you'll lose all your good bacteria, just continue giving it a gentle rinse in old tank water if it looks really dirty

 

[FishSurf]

So should I just wait a little longer until i'm sure the meds have worked and then put it back in?

 

[lalo99]

Only  use carbon to remove the meds, if your sure the problem is solved by the meds. It will remove the meds rather quickly from the tank.