Any reason why we need to replace our Bio-filter media ?

[good boy]

Hi All sifu,

I am reading up on the forum here and some books. I understand the reason why we need to replace the fine white sponge when it serve as a mech filter and has outlived its lifespan. However, for Bio-filter, our main aim is for as much BB to grow there as possible. Granted that they may be dirty, but we can just wash the debris and fish poo away using the tank water. The good BB can still be retained to serve its function.

Any particular reason why we need to replace 50% of them once a while ? If we replace, it will take time for BB to grow and thus may affect the stability of the water. Or should we be replacing the bio-filter at all.

[felix_fx2]

What and where you reference from?
You mean replace bb? Or media?

[good boy]

Hi Bro Felix,

Thanks for taking the time to assist a newbie me. I appreciate it. I am talking about replacing the bio-media. For example, in this site =>
http://www.vickisaquaticplace.com/EheimClassic.html

It says "Meanwhile, three more months later...
By now it's time to change out about one-half to two-thirds of the EhfiSubstrat biological filter media. EhfiSubstrat is made of sintered glass beads which makes it very porous, providing excellent surface area (18,335 sq. ft. / U.S. gallon) for nitrifying bacteria to thrive. The bacteria adhere to the glass better than any plastic or ceramic media. All this is why EhfiSubstrat is just about the best biological filter media on the market. However, even this will clog-up over time and need to be replaced. "

i thought we can just wash the bio-media using tank water, and can be used forever or replace only once in a blue moon. I just find it weired that we would want to replace 1/2 of them after we waited so long for the BB to colonised them. Furthermore, i find it funny that there are usually a big section of bio-media on sale at LFS. Unless there is demand and people always buy to replace them, else why such a big section ?

Thus i started this thread to see if I am missing something on bio-media which i don't know.

[aquarius]

The answer to your question is at post #42 http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...er-Media/page3

[tetrakid]

My own practice is to use as big bio-media as space permits. To create max space, I don't put any mechanical filter elements into the filter compartments, but only bio-media and some carbon. The mechanical filtering is all accomplished by a big/long ribbed sponge filter (ie. pre-filter) attached to the inlet side. This pre-filter should be frequently cleaned.

By this method, the beneficial bacteria in the bio-media will not be clogged with solid waste particles, otherwise, serious clogging will occur soon and thus need the bio-media to be replaced. This is because the clogging will prevent nutrients and abundant oxygen from reaching the bacteria colonies in the bio-media. Without these oxygen and nourishment, the bacteria will soon mostly die.

[felix_fx2]

Nitrifying bacteria do still die off and also grow and multiply.

The media can be rinsed and reused, Until it crumbles too much.
When you rinse, your also removing it from clogs which accumulate over time. That itself will knock/remove the old BB and give space for new BB to grow.

That logic is also used in K1 media and Bioballs

Reference.
http://www.eheimna.com/products/detail/Biological

i have really no clue why that site recommended to replace when Ehiem said reuse. Maybe really deep pockets?

there are some who prefer plastic bio balls over ceramic rings and alike. And those who swear by BateriaHouse / SubstratPro... ect. The choice is up to the hobbyist preference.

Anyway, here's my view on bio balls. They don't crumble but they float like crazy...

[good boy]

All sifus,
thanks for the inputs. it definitely helps me to understand better. I guess I will the chance to arrange my cannister in such a way during the next washing. Firstly, CR to get rid of big debris, followed by coarse sponge filter and fine sponge filter to make the water as clear of possible before passing the bio-media filter and finally the fine sponge filter again before exiting.. This way, there will be less chance for the bio-media to be clogged up and can last much longer. :P