Newbie Stuff: how often do I either clean or change HOB filter media/catridge?

[Flowerhorn Gal_AL]

Hello everyone!
I know I can read on a filter box on on Google for days about anything fish/tank related. However, I now trust you guys more than anyone: you've never steered me wrong! (Thanks BTW! & ? from the Fishy Five)
Latest burning question: I've got the HOB filter with pre-made cartridge of "floss" & carbon made into a cartridge. Here's the question: how often do I replace them, or do I need to clean them & put them back?
I bought some flat sponge (macro-type), & also some quilt batting to add to them as needed. Problem is, I don't know when "as needed" is. And ( I know, wordy) I also have the ceramic rings inside the tank. This maintenance is still new, so I've come back to ask your help again.
I think I need to do it because tank parameters are fluctuating without significant changes. My PWC 'd do provide lowered nitrates & ammonia (to almost 0), but pH keeps running low (acidic).
I know one very significant change though: the Fishy Five are getting huge! I'm now searching for them a new house of around 300 gallons. They didn't know that they're not supposed to get this big this quick! If course they're eating more & putting out more! I'm doing the WC's & testing, so I need you guys expertise again.
I'm learning their behaviours with water parameters changes also. Love from all here in Alabama & hope y'all are well.
LovePeaceFish from FHgal_SO. & the Fishy Five. ?✌?

 

[tlindsey]

When I used cartridge's I would during water changes rinse them off after a month would throw away and replace with a new cartridge. I personally don't use cartridges anymore because I don't use carbon.

 

[tlindsey]

When I used cartridge's I would during water changes rinse them off after a month would throw away and replace with a new cartridge. I personally don't use cartridges anymore because I don't use carbon.

Remember never rinse your bio media under tap water. Cartridges are considered mechanical not Bio imo.

 

[Flowerhorn Gal_AL]

So I should just change carbon filter (throw away) & rinse new one with tank water before inserting. I do want to change to different media; can I use sponge, polyfill, & rings in the HOB filter or have to start from scratch? I posted pic of filter so you can see it.
Will check back in a little while after breakfast! Thanks tlindsey! LPF

 

[tlindsey]

So I should just change carbon filter (throw away) & rinse new one with tank water before inserting. I do want to change to different media; can I use sponge, polyfill, & rings in the HOB filter or have to start from scratch? I posted pic of filter so you can see it.
Will check back in a little while after breakfast! Thanks tlindsey! LPF

Yes rinse cartridge under the tap to remove fine carbon dust. Yes depending on HOB filter a sponge , floss, and bio rings can replace cartridges.

 

[EntoStentor]

So I should just change carbon filter (throw away) & rinse new one with tank water before inserting. I do want to change to different media; can I use sponge, polyfill, & rings in the HOB filter or have to start from scratch? I posted pic of filter so you can see it.
Will check back in a little while after breakfast! Thanks tlindsey! LPF

It really depends on the HOB. Which one are you using? Does it have multiple layers of filter media (if so, good, because you can change out one at a time)?

Most of the HOBs I've used in the past have some sort of special surface in addition to filter cartridges. BB can be found in filter cartridges, but make sure the surface inside the filter (goes by different names depending on brand) says really mucky. The dirtier it is, the better. The cartridge will ensure that none of that gunk gets in the tank water, though it will not do any harm if it does. That stuff is BB, and is the only thing protecting your tank from ammonia spikes which will kill all your fish, so whatever you do don't get rid of it.

With average stocking I'd suggest changing out your cartridge at most once or twice a month. Or whenever it gets clogged up or starts to smell. Rinse the new one under tank water (or dechlorinated tap water) and pop it into the filter. Like I said don't remove the BB colonies or you will get an ammonia spike.

I took great pains to establish BB colonies in my substrate, but you don't have to. Just DON'T WASH OFF THE BB.

 

[Flowerhorn Gal_AL]

Okay for now will replace cartridge with another cartridge. I have a AquaTech 30/60 filter (HOB). Filter cartridge box pics of 3 stage filtration & 1 pic of what it says about the "bio grid". Posting that at end. So the bio grid, don't rinse; rinse the carbon cartridge with tank water. Think I got that part.
Now, if I decide to change over to the 3 step (sponge, floss, rings) method, do I do it in that order? (I know they say don't replace all 3 @ once)
And a new tank setup has an Aqueon QuietFlow 30. It has a sponge, then grid, then carbon. I haven't started it up yet, so can I put floss & rings in it with existing sponge for a brand new set up?
I thought it was sponge at lowest point in filter (whew, seeing why canister filters are easier in a way, but already have these), then grid/floss/polyfill, then rings or cartridge. Is that right? And do they have to be one on top of each other. Have tried watching YT vids & they are all usually for canister or pond filter. HELP!
And by the way, what kinda pump is used in the DIY filters that people make. I know, lots of questions! Thanks so much everyone. The Fishy Five & me are counting on ourselves & your vast knowledge?✌?

 

[Flowerhorn Gal_AL]

Here's pics to go with HOB filter in 55 G!

 

[Rass]

Do away with the cartridges and look up how to 'hot rod' a hob on aquarium co-op's YouTube page. They sell coarse sponge pad, coarse intake sponges, ceramic rings, and net bags for the rings on their site. I did it with my penguin 350 and I'm very happy with it. It's only my only hob. Hardly ever have to clean it because it's mostly all bio filtration.

 

[Flowerhorn Gal_AL]

Thanks for looking at it & the recommends. They want to sell filters as my SO says; that's their business! i'll look up vids also. I hope some of what I bought will work (have macro sponge, polyfill, &ceramic rings. Have bio balls coming)
Again, if I DIY a big filter, do you use an air pump & tubing to run it? I see many videos of them made with pump @ bottom with the 3 media layers. I know I missed something. If y'all know of one video that's most clear, let me know!
Thanks everyone! ?✌?