Maintenance of Sponge Filters

[BlueBolts]

Hi All, whats the recommended period to rinse/clean air sponge filters ?

[MIX02U]

For me, roughly once per month although it can vary depending on size of sponge (bigger/longer period, smaller/shorter period)

[Squiggle]

Yeah, I give mine a good squeeze in old tank water every three or four water changes unless they get that coated look to them, then it's the next water change :encouragement:

[2OFUS]

We clean our sponge filters once every 4 to 5 months

[fish4fish3]

I know the point you are getting at cause a canister / internal you can tell by a reduced amount of flow where a sponge just keeps blowing bubbles regardless.

but this is a stupid answer... When it looks full.

All depends on the load in the tank so i don't have a real time schedule just when it looks like it needs it. i have one where I squeeze out everytime I have a new batch of fry.

[Daydream]

Do mine every 2 months with boxies on alternant month.Now Im running only 20 tanks only takes an hour or so used to take 8hrs.

[BlueBolts]

Thanks for replies. Had NEVER used sponge filter until I got in to shrimps, so have 1/2 tanks that I've NEVER rinse/clean for 2-3 years....... Time to do some maintenance on them !

[Gbang]

I actually only clean mine when the bubbles don't go straight up their tubes. When the sponge filter is clogged the bubbles go up funny