Do I need to clean my Eheim Substrat Pro?

[ganet]

the media been used for 2 years, now seems the efficiency of bio is not enough for my bigger tank, I feel maybe it's need a cleaning or replacement. is it necessary to clean or have to replace all? how to clean it?

[limz_777]

media can last quite long unless it shows signs of breakage , just rinse it with tank water

[ganet]

I heard that the BB will grow inside the ball which may clog after long time, not like those ring type with bigger holes just wash is enough. I'm not sure how true it is anyone can clarify?

Btw, I got those ring type media(ocean free pro 3dm ring), and I feel it's better that eheim substract pro? Bio ring will have more surface area than ball right?

[barmby]

I change 75% of the Substrat every 1.5-2.0 years. I don't change the ring though.

Ring is to trap molecules while substrat is trap smallest molecules