Aquaclear mini

[kent1992]

Hi,

I have a Aquaclear mini set up in my 5 gallon tank. It is on its lowest setting and the waterfall is more of dribble, so I think its alright for my betta. I was just wondering how I would go about cleaning it. The biological filter media is a sponge, and the mechanical is a carbon pack. Am I supposed to take out the sponge and rinse it? If so, how often? I'm a little scared of doing this because of the bacteria contained within the sponge that helps cycle the tank.

thanks.

[bcroft]

I have the same one, but do you have the three media or just the two stage?

Either or, all you have to replace is the carbon packet. Just rinse out the sponge with already syphoned water. You basically never have to replace the sponge.

In a 5 gallon with that filter, it may be a little strong but only near the filter so your little guy should be fine.

[kent1992]

I have the three media, but it claims the third is "optional". I have a few ammonia remover packets for that, but Im afraid that'll upset the ammonia cycle.

[bcroft]

If you have the third one, but the tank is already cycled... I'd just leave it out since it's doing ok without it anyway.

[amanichen]

All you need for your tank is mechanical filtration and biological filtration. You don't necessarily need chemical filtration, but you can use carbon if you want.

If your tank is cycled already, don't use zeolite (ammonia absorbing resin.)