old dirty fluval ceramic rings, should i still keep them or replace them???

[perdeep007]

hey was wondering if i should replace my old ceramic white rings in my fluval canister filter, i got the fliter off of craigslist and im assuming she didnt clean it much, should i repalce all the media also?? its got carbon, sponges, white rings, some other stuff in bags. i already have 2 emp 400 on my 75 gallon tank, only using one right now, very low stock right now. but i still wanna use the canister. how should i set up its media keeping in mind im a cheapo oh yeah its a fluval 204 thanks again guys..

 

[IrnGynt]

The dirty ceramic rings, if they're just dirty and assuming the BB residing on them are dead, I'd just soak them in a bleach and water solution for a day or so, rinse well, and they should be good as new.

Used carbon? I'd just toss.

The sponges can be reused.

 

[polish]

Agreed ^...
Rinse and reuse the sponges and rings.

Toss the carbon.

If there is room for more media go buy a pack of Scrubbies for $1 at the DollarStore and use them to fill the void.

 

[12 Volt Man]

agreed. just give them a good rinse.

I would not use bleach though. the media is often porous and you will get bleach in there that may not rinse out easily.

next thing you know bleach is leaching out into your tank.

the bacteria are dead, so just a rinse with water is fine. you don't need to worry about disease because dried out media will be sterile.

 

[IrnGynt]

I would not use bleach though. the media is often porous and you will get bleach in there that may not rinse out easily.

next thing you know bleach is leaching out into your tank.

Good point. Better safe then sorry.

Just in case you *have* to use bleach, because sometimes things are just that nasty -> I soak my dirty micron filters for 24 hrs in the solution. Rinse then soak in water with Prime another 24 hrs.

 

[perdeep007]

Good point. Better safe then sorry.

Just in case you *have* to use bleach, because sometimes things are just that nasty -> I soak my dirty micron filters for 24 hrs in the solution. Rinse then soak in water with Prime another 24 hrs.

great thank you, whats prime?? and i could only find the steel scrubbers at the dollar store, where supposed to use the plastic ones though right??

 

[boldtogether]

Put those bio-rings in the other 400. Thats right, no cartriges, just the rings and maybe scrubbies on top. I did that with 2 400s I had on a 90g and it sustained an awesome BB colony. Seriously. Those 400s can hold more bio-media than you think!! Once the scrubbies bulk up with bugs you dont even need mech/filter floss.

 

[ccebr]

agree
get new carbon as this only lasts about 2 months anyway.
dont use bleach sounds dangerous! just rinse in some tank water.

 

[IrnGynt]

great thank you, whats prime??

No problem.

 

[CanadianBacon]

i wouldnt even bother with the carbon use the extra space for more bio media. i dont use it in any of my filters. unless the tank stinks, or you want to help remove tannins from drift wood, i havent replaced my ceramic rings or spunge in years. waste of money if u ask me.