Why does biological filter media need to be replaced?

[celestialdude]

I’m using a 3-stage (physical, chemical and biological) filter by Hagen. It’s the Aquaclear 30.

My questions… why does the BioMax filter media need to be replaced? Don’t the bacteria colonies live there happily ever after? Do they die out, any why? I’m sure this applies to biological filter media in general… does anybody know?

They recommend that this media be changed every 3 months. Is that too frequent, or just right?

Any thoughts or wisdom on this is greatly appreciated.

[L168]

Hi,

The bacteria colonies live in the pores of the medium, they habe a short life span of around 2 weeks before they reproduce, once they die they are still in the pores, the new colony lives on top of them, the firms recommend 3-4 months of actual living space on the medium before it becomes inhabitable for the bactieria. Other than rincing it out which you can do, they would recommend you change it, for them its profits.

Mfg Peter

[celestialdude]

Thanks Peter.

That would make sense… I guess since these pores are tiny it would be impossible to rinse them thoroughly.

Just trying to see how much of it is marketing hype, and how much of it I can avoid (thus saving money). Oh well, I guess I shall have to do it then.

[ste12000]

I think it is all marketing bulls”*t.. If you replace biological media after 3 months you are effectivly starting a new tank four times a year.You then have to worry about no biological media for upto six weeks while your tank cycles.
My best tanks have had the same biological media for over five years with no water quality problems at all, in fact my discus spawn in there weekly ( they eat there eggs but that is another story).
I have a large external filter on this tank that has not been changed/cleaned for over 12 months and my water has never been so stable, it is that good that last time i cleaned the filter i found a large corydoras that had obviously been sucked in as an egg and was a fully formed adult when found :lol:
Remember the best aquarists keep water not fish……get the water right and you’ll find the hobby really easy.

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