Re: [APD] Biofilter question

["S. Hieber" <shieber at yahoo_com>]

A couple of points:

usually, one doesn't change out the biomedia every time the
mechanical filter media is replaced or rinsed out. And when
it is replaced, one can repalce half of it at a time to
preserve a good portion of the bioculture.

Much of the bacteria are also growin on surfaces other than
the filter media, the tank walls, substrate, basically
everything in the water system -- so changing the biomedia
doesn't take out all of your bacteria.

If you're changing all of the media (for example a floss
type cartridge) with every media change, then you probably
won't be relying onthe cartridge for the bulk of your
bioculture.

Scott H.

--- BlackHOle <redlam1 at interconnect_net> wrote:
> I am new to the hobby and have a 10 gallon tank with some
> tiger barbs and am learning the basics. I plan on getting
> a 75 or larger to start my planted aquarium. It seems
> like all I do these days is read about this kind of stuff
> on the net but I have another question regarding the bio
> filter. If the purpose of the filter is for a place for
> the bacteria to live, how do you clean the filter and how
> often? Also, I am sure that the filter will have to be
> replaced eventually because it sure does get dirty. If I
> change the filter, there goes all my bacteria and my
> ammonia and nitrates will build up again and kill my
> fish. Nowhere have I found detailed instructions on the
> proper procedure for cleaning and replacing the filter
> media. It is a hang on the back power filter with a
> gauze/floss type filter media. Any info would be
> appreciated.
>

=====
S. Hieber

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