View Full Version : Skimmers and Filter Pads
QuiGonJay
03/10/2015, 10:14 AM
I recently started running a skimmer. I have a 45gallon all-in-one. I still have the filter pads (sponges) in the media baskets. Should these be removed if you are running a skimmer? Any downside to leaving them in (detritus accumulation if they aren't cleaned weekly, etc)?
Thanks,
J.
MondoBongo
03/10/2015, 10:41 AM
if you're going to remove them, make sure you don't yank them all at once. there is likely a good concentration of your nitrifying bacteria on them. so if you decide they must go, do so slowly over a period of time.
i don't know how your AIO is set up, but i like to keep some sponges in my sump on my 75. this gives me quick insurance if i need to kick off a cycle on another tank, seed a QT quickly, or what have you. they stay out of the way, so they don't accumulate too much masty, and when i clean my sump (which is usually every 1 - 2 months) i just kind of shake and squeeze them vigorously in a bucket of clean saltwater to help get the gunk out.
if you don't see any problems from them, i.e. high nitrates, and you're regularly cleaning them, i don't see a problem with leaving them be.
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