Bio filter replacement sponge

[Jutt]

Do the sponges ever need to be replaced on the bio filters?
We have a CPF 250 bio filter had t for about 5+ years , every so often i notice my water flow drops considerably and need to clean them out due to it getting clogged with gunk .

 

[cas]

You want to be careful how much you clean the filters in the bio-filter. You don't want to lose the beneficial bacteria that is growing there. I changed out from the sponge filters to the Matala round filters. They are firm, don't clog as much and fit well into the bio-falls box. I only clean them at the end of the season when I turn the pump off.

 

[brokensword]

Do the sponges ever need to be replaced on the bio filters?
We have a CPF 250 bio filter had t for about 5+ years , every so often i notice my water flow drops considerably and need to clean them out due to it getting clogged with gunk .

as long as they're not falling apart, you're good to go. They provide area for bacterial colonization and a physical barrier for particulate. If they begin falling apart, they're no longer doing this. And as Cas mentioned, don't overdo the cleaning; just rinse off (using pond water) and put back. Many of us have bogs because we don't want the routine cleaning and do want the larger filter space.

 

[Jutt]

Great,, thanks for the help

 

[Sunshine]

I have 3 blue matala mats in the bio filter with 1 bag of bio balls and 1 bag of ceramic noodles. It runs all year long. I clean mine 3 times a year. Spring, summer and fall before we go in to winter. My mats are 10+ years old and still look new after I clean them.