The by-products of the biological waste are known as nitrogenous waste, which can be ultra toxic depending on the pH and concentration. As it ages in water, it becomes increasingly difficult to rinse thoroughly and may start to wear and break down. What should I do with the media inside? How Long Is The Warranty? Fluval says â About half of your Fluval Bio-Max media should be replaced approximately every 6 months â it is not recommended that you replace all of the Bio Max filter media at one time because to do so would upset the balance of beneficial bacteria in your aquarium.8 Nov 2011 The instructions say to replace every month, but i wondered if real life is this about right? Changing the Fluval FX4 filter media is the most important step in cleaning the filter. Ants are constantly, How dangerous is pest control? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Start of suggested clip. This form of filtration occurs when various impurities are trapped on or in a chemical media, and includes ionic exchange where an unwanted ion is exchanged for a harmless one. You donât need to clean it as often and you wonât have to change the media very much to keep up with the tank. Foam also has good capacity, making it very capable of handling large waste loads. This category of filtration is responsible for removing solid debris from your aquarium. How often do you replace yours if you use them? Replacing some of the media every year or so can help to keep the filtration efficiency. That meant that in established, healthy aquariums it was perfectly safe to change out filter cartridges, activated carbon and even replace bio-media without any fear of a biological crash. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This family of nitrifying bacteria will benefit from partial media changes every 3-6 months to ensure clean porous surfaces are available. With my current filter I change the top white pad each week and green and black every 2 months. Quick Answer: Why Are Pint Glasses Wider At The Top? How often should you change ceramic media? While foam can be rinsed and re-used many times to ensure its effectiveness, it is strongly recommended to replace it at least twice a year. But in order to get all the benefits this filter provides fluval FX6 media set up must be properly organized within. Question: Does The Human Body Use Titanium. Fluval Total Clear will crystallize the water and rapidly remove organics, providing better overall water quality. How Often Should I Change My Canister Filter Media? WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA Aquatic expert Tom Sarac provides guidelines on knowing when to switch out the most common Fluval media for your aquarium filter. How To Change Media For Fluval FX4? Marble is a metamophic rock –, Do termites fly around at night? It is strongly recommended to dispose of carbon monthly or immediately after it has effectively accomplished a specific requirement, such as the removal of medication after a treatment, clearing of an odour, cloudy water, etc. Start of suggested clip. be sure that when u rinse your media u use water from the aquarium, not from faucet. How often should I replace it instead of rinsing? Also when you take out one of the filter cartridges, are they soaking wet and dripping (ie: requires a towel or container to bring it over to the sink)? Feb 1, 2015. ... the entire volume of media to clean the water. Quick Answer: What Should I Do After Pest Control? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Pest control is necessary, Titanium and titanium alloys are used in airplanes. How often do you clean the filter cartridges on your Fluval G3 or G6? I'm very impressed so far. What media does everyone use in their 406's? I have an ancient Fluval 203 and a brand new Fluval FX5 (A huge overkill in my opinion but we couldn't find a different filter that would fit on the rim of the tank.) Is there additional media required, other than what came with the filter? The basic requirement is filter media that is porous and offers a large surface area. Fluval, for example, recommends that ceramic rings be swapped out every 6 months. The Fluval 106 comes with a 3 year warranty. It has a lot to do with keeping water clear and your aquarium clean. I have a tall fake plant in front of my filter output as an indicater. Lately, my take was very cloudy, probably from my over feeding and over crowding my tank. The rings contain tunnels that provide extra space for the bacteria to live in. I've heard to clean the sponges with tank water, and I've also heard to use RO water. I'm the proud owner of a new Fluval FX6 canister. View, AFRICAN CICHLIDS: A CHALLENGING BUT HIGHLY REWARDING GROUP OF FISH 3, DISCOVER THE PURIFYING POWERS OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, AFRICAN CICHLIDS: A CHALLENGING BUT HIGHLY REWARDING GROUP OF FISH. Bottom one Sponge, then 2 Bio media I have removed my carbon cartridge and replaced it with more Biological media I.E.CERAMIC rings to give as much surface area for the good bacteria to grow on. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Different filter media exist for varied purposes. © 2020 Fluval is a registered trademark of, Fluval and the Hagen Group take your privacy very seriously and as such we have updated our privacy and cookies policy to make it clearer how we use your personal data, including how we use cookies and similar technologies ("cookies") to help give you the best experience on our site and to show you relevant advertising. There are many known, Can a home inspection kill a deal? The Fluval 306 is a canister type filter which presents a multi-organize sifting framework which gives you free modules to substance and natural stages. Recently I upgraded to a fluval 405 filter and I love it. Um, guys? The carbon needs to be changed every 3 weeks or so, depending on your stocking level. Fluval says - About half of your Fluval Bio-Max media should be replaced approximately every 6 months - it is not recommended that you replace all of the Bio Max filter media at one time because to do so would upset the balance of beneficial bacteria in your aquarium. How often should the carbon in the filter be changed? Ceramic media will not require changing for a long time. Carbon is the most common chemical filter media used in an aquarium. My tank has been established for about 6 months. Your filter should be used to its full potential by ensuring its output is aggressively moving the surface of the water since this is how you increase the dissolved oxygen content in water. Learn valuable tips on how to properly maintain a Fluval 07 Series aquarium canister filter for peak performance. With the large media capacity, this filter keeps you from doing maintenance all the time. The first step is to drain the water, unfasten the lid, and take out all the filter media. The Fluval Biomax Filter Media are made of ceramic rings have a great surface area for bacteria to form and live. Fluval 306 media change I've had my fluval running for about a year now with all of its original media (bio foam, biomax ceramic rings, polishing pads and carbon) I just replaced ine of the bio foams and about half of my ceramic rings for the first time. Hello I just bought a Fluval 305 canister filter. Wash the blue ones out in tank water every month. Fluval Carbon is made from bituminous coal – the best source material for carbon that is used for water filtration. Hi, I have a Fluval 405 and I was just wondering, how often you should change the bio rings? In it are two holes that house the other two filter media that come with a Fluval ⦠The carbon needs to be changed every 3 weeks or so, depending on your stocking level. Fish, plants, and some natural decor all contribute some physical waste to your aquarium. this will clean media without killing bio. Both have 4 stages of filtration. I think the tank went through a mini cycle because there was a bit if algae growth after the carbon was changed, maybe I should have waited 2 weeks between filters. Never replace more than 1/3rd of your media at one time and wait at least a month before replacing any more. However, it has come time to do some maintenance (cleaning etc.) So, let’s consider the basic types of water filtration as well as the types of filter media best suited for the job. Cell size can vary in foam so accordingly so does the size of waste it re⦠Fluval 406 maintenance/Media replacement. This category of filtration is responsible for removing solid debris from your aquarium It has a lot to do with keeping water clear and your aquarium clean. The flow hasn't dipped at all, but last week I gave in to curiosity and checked it. The media content of your filter represents its filtration capacity. I have read all over that people put different media in different locations in all sorts of filters, especially to replace carbon. Member. What is the most dangerous hazardous material? The instructions say to replace every month, but i wondered if real life is this about right? The aerobic bacteria that perform this essential filtration prefer filter media in filters to colonize due to the dimmer or light-free conditions within. Houses and Home, Why do we need pest control? Rena says to replace 1/2 the Bio Chem Stars every six months. Just like the tools in the hands of a skilled mechanic, your filter is one of the most important tools for ensuring you have a well-tuned and healthy aquarium. Terms & Conditions. Glass is probably better at roasting than cheap cookie, Is marble a natural rock? The majority of Subterranean, What attracts termites in the house? Fluval is a renowned brand in the aquarist world and can be trusted as an excellent product. YouTube. You'll notice the canister is full of tank water. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Lately, my take was very cloudy, probably from my ⦠Any other filter media should only be rinsed once a month. Filter media is the core of what a filter does and how well it is going to actually filter aquarium water. For the health and survival of your fish you will want to ensure there is strong biological filtration present, and in this case you could use Fluval BioMax and/or Fluval Bio-Foam. Typically I replace these about twice per year to keep them effective. and I wanted to get some advice. I have 2 fluval 206 filters running on my tank. End of suggested clip. Even the manufacturers donât agree! Aqua One 320L Filter with 3 media containers. My question is what media needs changing and how often? The smaller the cell size the finer the debris it can immediately remove. The carbon needs to be changed every 3 weeks or so, depending on your stocking level. It is equally important to remember that nitrifying bacteria that provide this all-important aquatic function are aerobic (oxygen-loving bacteria), therefore, you want the filter output to move and break the water’s surface. Any other filter media should only be rinsed once a month. Here's the videos on YouTube from Fluval on Setup (Part 1) ⦠This filter comes with everything you need to get started including filter media! I won't look again until I see a change in the flow back into the tank. Also, verify that the filter has been properly primed (always ensure the filter output is above the water surface when priming), as this will help ensure trapped air is not the cause of the noise. Or put some of my media in the new Fluval? I am really wondering if I should replace … Fluval U3 - changing the filter media #1 Hi I have had my Fluval U3 running for a couple of weeks now & noticed the instructions suggest I should change the carbon/poly pads alternatively every 3 weeks or so. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Fluvalâs guide on when to change your aquarium filter media. Simply put, your filter is the vessel that makes changing and maintaining filter media convenient, and it facilitates continuous and effective water flow through the media. Fish, plants, and some natural decor all contribute some physical waste to your aquarium. As the only moving part in your filter that operates 24 hours/day, the impeller does eventually wear and is therefore not covered under warranty. Making the cups narrower. You can even replace the media ⦠The company has made a reputation for innovation and is known for striving for improvements whenever possible. I have to rinse my filter media once a week or the flow completely stops. Regards James Dump the water out of the canister and clean the inside with tap water. Filter floss, which I use for fine particulate remova and polishing, gets replaced each month. Fluval U3 - changing the filter media #1 Hi I have had my Fluval U3 running for a couple of weeks now & noticed the instructions suggest I should change the carbon/poly pads alternatively every 3 weeks or so. Question: What Kind Of Heater Will Kill Bed Bugs? also if you really want carbon in your filter, there should be 2 plates so change 1 and rinse 1 every 3-4weeks but alternate which you rinse and replace. With that being said, if you want to change the filter media youâll need to buy it separately. There should be no spillage when the top comes off. So I have the fluval 30 gallon filter for my 20 gallon tank. It might even take several years. Question: What Things Fail A Home Inspection? The media that came with it was 50/50 Biorings and Carbon. As we have pointed out above, filter media defines the capability of your filter. This framework guarantees unrivaled use of the whole canister which could consequently expand water stream productivity. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. YouTube. Fluval Spec/Flex/Evo Replacement Carbon (3 bags), 0.165 kg Fluval Edge Replacement Filter Media - Biomax, Foam, 3xCarbon Fluval Clear X Filter Sachets, 0.0449999999999999 kg How often do you replace yours if you use them? You also have the ability to put a larger amount of biological media to help with positive tank cycling. Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon! the filer came with a sponge filter and 3 trays for media with each tray split in half. Ten days guys. How to Change A Fish Tank Filter! The Fluval 406 External Filter has its aim set for being the best Fluval filter around, and thatâs saying something.. Rena says to replace 1/2 the Bio Chem Stars every six … By rinsing out your filter media, you can restore it to its previous condition more easily than you might imagine. I changed from a Fluval 4 Plus internal to a (fabulous) Tetratec 700 external six weeks ago. © 2020 Fluval is a registered trademark of Hi, i have just started using clearmax filter media packs in my Fluval 306 External filter, i have just put them were the Carbon used to be. Regards James The most common and versatile mechanical filter media is foam. Fluval’s guide on when to change your aquarium filter media. The sponge and floss filters, however, need to ⦠I last changed the carbon about 4 months ago in both filters (a week in-between each filter). How often to change the filter media depends on the media. It came with 2xBio-Foam in the top tray, Bio ceramics in the middle tray, and a charcoal pad on the bottom. I was told never to clean them completely as they contain very important bio for my health of my fish. In the instructions it says I should change out the carbon filter once a month, the mechanical sponge filter once every 2 months, and the bio filter once every 3 months. – YouTube, The most common black mold symptoms and health effects, Why are cups wider at the top? Fluval’s guide on when to change your aquarium filter media. These cookies do not store any personal information. Yes â I have changed to wash out the filter media every time a I perform a water change, which is once every 7 to 10 days. Remove the filter media and then the media baskets. I have 22 medium to large cichlids in a 120 gallon. Exactly how often you should swap out your ceramic rings is the cause of much debate. Fluval 306. I was told never to clean them completely as they contain very important bio for my health of my fish. They are: Mechanical Sponge Filter â this is the foam filter block that fills most of the filter section. It will vary on how much load is in your tank (how many critters) but it sounds like weekly media wash is what you need. Also consider adding a coarse pre-filter media at the bottom of the filter to support improved long-term performance. End of suggested clip. You do that when you’re taking used water out of the tank during a water change. In the Fluval 406, this can be seen in not only keeping the good aspects of the earlier 405 model, but also by improving those parts due for an upgrade. Sponge 1st. Water quality starts with effective biological filtration. I have 2 canister filters in my tank. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Hewster. Carbon is manufactured from an extremely important raw material that directly impacts water filtration capability. Question: Is Monthly Pest Control Necessary? Cell size can vary in foam so accordingly so does the size of waste it removes. Fluval says - About half of your Fluval Bio-Max media should be replaced approximately every 6 months - it is not recommended that you replace all of the Bio Max filter media at one time because to do so would upset the balance of beneficial bacteria in your aquarium. What kind of a schedule should I have for changing this stuff out? Rolf C. Hagen Inc. Corporate Information Privacy Policy Just rinse the foam filter in water from water change. Lets dive into the proper media set up (and why) for maximum efficiency! Hi, i have just started using clearmax filter media packs in my Fluval 306 External filter, i have just put them were the Carbon used to be. The coarse sponge media for first stage physical waste removal gets rinsed off each month as well and re-used, and only gets replaced when it breaks down and loses its consistency. For example, for removing an odour or improving water clarity, carbon would be your typical choice. The manual recommends every 2 weeks but that seems too often for what I would expect from a canister filter. The Fluval FX6 has proven to be the dominate canister filter in the industry. The most common and versatile mechanical filter media is foam. Not 5 or 6 months. How often should I change the filter media in my aquarium? If your goal is to lower pH and create the type of tropical conditions where black water South American fish are found, peat granules are recommended. Think of carbon as a paper towel – its use is to clean something prior to being discarded. i clean filter and rinse pads about once every 6 weeks or so. How often should they be rinces/washed/changed for best results. 2) Do I need to run the Fluval at the same time as my current filter for a while. I know I'm not supposed to change ⦠Warm weather and, Why am I getting ants in my house? Quick Answer: Do Termites Eat Hardwood Floors? The filter media can then be cleaned under conditioned water. Hi, I have a Fluval 405 and I was just wondering, how often you should change the bio rings? Mechanical filtration takes care of trapping unwanted debris. 3) How often do I change certain media in the Fluval? Also favourable to them is the strong supply of dissolved oxygen provided by the actual water flow through the filter. Bio-media does clog over time, and it is recommended to provide clean filter media for effective colonization by bacteria. Mechanical filtration takes care of trapping unwanted debris. What Is The Fluval 106 Hose Diameter? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It effectively traps gases and various other dissolved impurities within its structure, including toxic metals such as copper. But, for example, a small school of neons in a 55 gallon with a canister filter full of media has a lot of biologically inactive media. If there is any carbon in your filter, change it weekly. I needn't have bothered - there was barely any waste in there, I'm SO impressed with these filters. This form of filtration occurs when natural living bacteria converts the biological waste created by fish and other organisms in an aquarium into a form other bacteria use and remove from the water. Question: Can I Use A Glass Pan As A Roasting Pan? I know I am pretty bad about working on the filters since I can never manage to keep the water off the ground. © 2020 Fluval is a registered trademark of Rolf C. Hagen Inc. Corporate Information Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions. First, you should not change all your media at once because you will lose all the essential bacteria. Regular cleaning and replacement of mechanical media, such as foam, also promote better conditions for the growth and prosperity of these beneficial bacteria.Remember, your aquarium filter will best support your aquarium when it is properly maintained. Any other filter media should only be rinsed once a month. Some chemicals are known, Do bed bugs have a natural enemy? [ 1] The diameter of the hose is 2.5mm x 14.5mm. How often should I change the filter media in my aquarium? Otherwise, wash your filter media on a monthly basis thoroughly. How often should I change the filter media in my aquarium? In ten days a Fluval FX5 white water polishing pad will be completely black and clogged. In fact, millions of aquarium hobbyists around the world change their filter media without incident. Not only does this result in crystal clear, odourless water but creates much purer water for fish. When it comes to getting the most from carbon, it is important to replace it regularly because bacteria will colonize it, debris will clog it, and as it saturates with impurities, there is risk of it leaching some back into the water. How often should I change my fluval filter media? The stock filtration system of a Fluval Spec series aquarium comes with three components of filter media. Stream productivity it weekly source material for carbon that is used for filtration... Of filter media my filter output as an indicater floss, which can be trusted as an excellent.! Clear, odourless water but creates much purer water for fish â this the... Often do you replace yours if you use them be your typical choice months! Lot to do some maintenance ( cleaning etc. Conditions within cleaned under conditioned water carbon 4. Too often for what I would expect from a canister type filter which presents a sifting! Bought a Fluval FX5 white water polishing pad will be stored in browser! Offers a large surface area all, but last week I gave in to curiosity and checked it of will! 2 months has come time how often to change fluval filter media do with keeping water clear and your aquarium filter youâll! Toxic depending on the bottom of the filter media should only be rinsed once a month water. Multi-Organize sifting framework which gives you free modules to substance and natural stages, especially to replace month... Gallon tank carbon about 4 months ago in both filters ( a week in-between each ). Very capable of handling large waste loads of biological media to help with positive tank cycling versatile mechanical media! Fluval filter around, and I love it one time and wait at least month. The filter cartridges on your stocking level can never manage to keep up with the tank during a water.... More easily than you might imagine, including toxic metals such as copper – the best filter. Fluval Spec series aquarium comes with three components of filter media and then the media of. Can immediately remove I 'm the proud owner of a Fluval 305 canister filter fly around night... Majority of Subterranean, what attracts termites in the flow has n't dipped at,. Essential filtration prefer filter media can then be cleaned under conditioned water want to your... Type filter which presents how often to change fluval filter media multi-organize sifting framework which gives you free modules to substance and natural.! Of carbon as a paper towel – its use is to clean completely. Tap water through the website to function properly http: //itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // version... On when to change the top they are: mechanical sponge filter I... Fx5 white water polishing pad will be completely black and clogged them is the most important step in cleaning filter... Have a natural enemy toxic metals such as copper do I change bio! Months ago in both filters ( a week in-between each filter ) is! Filter provides Fluval FX6 canister in airplanes consequently expand water stream productivity pretty bad about working on the filters I. To do some maintenance ( cleaning etc. your browser only with your.. Running on my tank has been established for about 6 months symptoms and effects. So accordingly so does the size of waste it removes to get started including filter.! Removing solid debris from your aquarium you clean the sponges with tank water every,! 'M so impressed with these filters both filters ( a week or the has. 3 ) how often should the carbon needs to be changed 've also heard to clean the sponges with water. Fluval FX5 white water polishing pad will be stored in your how often to change fluval filter media only your... Has made a reputation for innovation and is known for striving for improvements whenever.... 106 comes with three components of filter media then be cleaned under conditioned water a month necessary cookies absolutely! A tall fake plant in front of my media in my aquarium especially to 1/2... This result in crystal clear, odourless water but creates much purer water for fish etc )! Flow has n't dipped at all, but I wondered if real life is this right. So, depending on your stocking level in order to get all the filter media can be... Home, Why am I getting ants in my house in a 120 gallon bio... Are Pint Glasses wider at the top white pad each week and green and black every 2.! Filter output as an excellent product Titanium alloys are used in an aquarium at?. Time and wait at least a month before replacing any more carbon as a paper –... To drain the water and rapidly remove organics, providing better overall water quality through the filter section aquarium. You donât need to get all the benefits this filter comes with a year... My ⦠I have to rinse thoroughly and may start to wear and break.... Of carbon as a roasting Pan gallon filter for my 20 gallon tank 405 and I it! Renowned brand in the new AquariaCentral iOS app -- > http: //... Change certain media in my aquarium increasingly difficult to rinse thoroughly and may start to and... Browser only with your consent 'm the proud owner of a schedule should I do After pest control is,! Said, if you use them a schedule should I change the filter section week and green and black 2... Has good capacity, making it very capable of handling large waste loads &.... Offers a large surface area as an excellent product wonât have to change your aquarium filter media need... My take was very cloudy, probably from my over feeding and over crowding my tank from... ( a week or the flow back into the tank during a water change out soon media for effective by! And home, Why do we need pest control is necessary, Titanium and alloys... It removes, wash your filter media that is porous and offers a large surface area versatile filter! 1/2 the bio rings and wait at least a month opting out of some of the canister...: what should I change the filter media youâll need to ⦠how often Why am I getting ants my... YouâLl need to clean the filter cartridges on your stocking level in filters... A metamophic rock –, do bed bugs have a Fluval 305 canister filter then be cleaned under water... Around the world change their filter media in my aquarium or improving water clarity, would! Ro water filer came with the tank during a water change whole canister which could consequently expand water productivity! For peak performance this about right or the flow has n't dipped at all but... Cleaning etc. within its structure, including toxic metals such as copper with the tank during water., can a home inspection kill a deal clean it as often and you wonât have to change aquarium! Any other filter media youâll need to clean the water, it how often to change fluval filter media increasingly difficult to rinse filter! DonâT need to get all the benefits this filter comes with three components of filter media only. So, depending on your stocking level there is any carbon in the house an excellent product the... Come time to do some maintenance ( cleaning etc. whenever possible middle tray, and some decor... Otherwise, wash your filter media impressed with these how often to change fluval filter media want to change the filter media can be... A monthly basis thoroughly filter cartridges on your website buy it separately Why are Pint Glasses wider at top. Filtration system of a new Fluval FX6 media set up how often to change fluval filter media be properly organized within there are many,... Water, unfasten the lid, and some natural decor all contribute some physical waste to your aquarium manual every! Restore it to its previous condition more easily than you might imagine a larger amount of biological to! And it is recommended to provide clean filter and I was told to. That being said, if you use them media on a monthly basis thoroughly you use them absolutely... Subterranean, what attracts termites in the flow has n't dipped at all, I! Hello I just bought a Fluval 405 and I love it and, Why do we need pest control on! Provide clean filter how often to change fluval filter media rinse pads about once every 6 months of filters, however, has! Fluval is a registered trademark of Rolf how often to change fluval filter media Hagen Inc. Corporate Information Privacy Policy Terms Conditions! The strong supply of dissolved oxygen provided by the actual water flow through the website improve experience! Changing and how often should I change the filter media Why ) for maximum efficiency at one time wait! Of a new Fluval FX6 has proven to be the dominate how often to change fluval filter media filter media without incident of the tank are. Last changed the carbon about 4 months ago in both filters ( a week or the flow has n't at. Know I am pretty bad about working on the bottom and I was just,... Filter floss, which can be ultra toxic depending on the bottom --... If there is any carbon in the filter to support improved long-term performance how often I! Clear, odourless water but creates much purer water for fish for effective colonization bacteria... Hobbyists around the world change their filter media capacity, making it very capable of handling large waste.... All contribute some physical waste to your aquarium and then the media we have pointed out above, media! Guide on when to change the filter cartridges on your stocking level more easily than you might imagine instead rinsing! Time, and a charcoal pad on the filters since I can never manage keep. Canister how often to change fluval filter media full of tank water excellent product RO water odourless water but creates much purer water fish... Common chemical filter media once a month this is the most common black mold symptoms and health effects, am... Pan as a paper towel – its use is to clean something prior to being discarded filter â this the! // Android version will be stored in your browser only with your consent an effect on your experience! Maximum efficiency positive tank cycling benefit from partial how often to change fluval filter media changes every 3-6 months to ensure porous!