Filter Changes

[thebbqguy]

I am in need of recommendations for performing filter changes with better results than I experienced recently.

My tank was crystal clear for 3 weeks before I attempted to change the charcoal filter in my Aqua Clear 110.

I turned off the filter to change out the charcoal and phosphate filter pad; and then reassembled. When I turned it back on a whole host of grey crap ruined my crystal clear tank. It's never really recovered.

On the advice of the LFS, I waited a month to change out the white sponge in the Aqua Clear and haven't touched the sponge filter. Tonight I changed out the sponge on the Aqua Clear and had the same issue with grey crud messing up my tank. I did a 50% water change and it's finally starting to clear up a little bit.

I must be doing something wrong. I read the directions on the unit but they don't really help much.

In the reservoir of the Aqua Clear I noticed a lot of murky grey water. Is there a way to clean that out before I turn the filter unit back on to prevent this scenario from repeating over and over again?

On the plus side, the separate sponge filter is doing a nice job of removing the larger crap from the water.

[Regalblue]

Why replace the sponge?  Some of my sponges are 10+ years old. That's part of the superiority of ACs,  they rarely need a new sponge, Which cuts down costs.  Just siphon a bucket of tank water to squeeze your sponge in. (You may need a couple buckets )

Typically when I clean out an AC110,  I rinse & dry the filter box. (After squeezing out the sponge in a bucket or two of tank water)

[thebbqguy]

Thanks. I decided that I must need to completely disassemble the unit and clean it out.

I only changed the sponge because the directions said to change it out periodically.

[Marty]

I agree with Blair, squeeze out the sponge in used tank water to get rid of the excess crud.  Chances are, when you remove the sponge, whatever waste is in the filter is dislodged.  If you completely clean the filter box and intake tube in a sink before turning it back on, you'll eliminate that issue but still have a sponge with be seeded with beneficial bacteria.

[thebbqguy]

O.k.

I'm now back to where I started last night. The tank is mainly clear with a little bit of haze.

After I changed the filter last night before asking for your tips it was not good. Fish survived.

But this morning I think I heard one of them say "step away from the tank please" when he saw me. I still need to get the crud out, but I am going to wait a while on that so the fish don't shoot me.

[mibwb]

Did you vacuum gravel? All that crud that came out is now sitting on everything.

[thebbqguy]

Yes. I did vacuum. I now have a routine where I vacuum on a regular basis.

[dstuer]

I also agree with Blair, I have used the same sponges for years, and squeeze them in a bucket of tank water every other day.  This way, loads of junk doesn't get a chance to accumulate, and so much isn't released as a cloud when they are pulled to rinse.
I also don't squeeze out everything completely, because if the sponge remains a  bit "seasoned" it filters more efficiently, and also acts as biological media.
 

[eastside304]

I run my ac110 with two sponges runs great