how often do we need to change filer sponges etc?

[toledosun]

The flowrate for my eheim 2213 has gotten very slow after just 4 months of use. Called Petmart where I bought it from. two explanations offered 1) impeller spoilt but after 4 months, they said unlikely. 2) the filter media is clogged and needs to be replaced.

Currently, all I have in the filter are 4 pieces of the blue fiilters and some ceramic rings. Have been washing the filters regularly but have not replaced them for 4 months.

What i'll like to know is - how often do you have to replace all these filter medias and what's the likelihood of it getting so clogged that it impedes water flow?

[sherchoo]

used mine for a year now..... no plans for replacement yet

[timebomb]

The flowrate for my eheim 2213 has gotten very slow after just 4 months of use.
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As far as I know, the filter media never need to be replaced. Your flowrate has slowed down probably because your hoses are choked with scum. Either that, or your impeller is not spinning as fast as before because it's clogged with dirt. All it takes is a good wash. Do not wash your filter media too clean and always use your tank water for washing. As for the hoses, I usually squeeze in a ball of wool into one opening, plug it into a tap and turn the water on full blast to push the wool through the hose. You would have to take out the impeller from the powerhead and give it a good scrub. Eheim has some small brushes which are made just for doing this.

Loh K L

[toledosun]

Thanks for the advice guys. Over the weekend, I gave my tubes a good wash. Boy was I shocked by the amount of scum stuck there. All's well now