Should A Filter Be Washed During Cycling

[aly2k9]

My filter has been running for over 3 weeks now and it keeps getting clogged so i have to turn it off then back on, after a few hiccups im still cycling my tank, should i rinse the sponge in old tank water or just leave it as it is. Currently in my tank is a messy bristlenose pleco and 1 surviving neon tetra.

help would be appreciated

 

[hogan53]

Hi
Yes give it a clean in aquarium water.
That gives you an idea if the filter is maturing with bacteria.
hoggie