Hi everyone I’m about to buy one of these filters as I have seen and reviewed from here to Timbuktu and it seems that they are well received. One of the things I really like the idea of is the pre-filter cartridge. Up till now I had always thought that filter media should be washed in aquarium water. But many of the reviews of this filter state that you can wash the pre-filter sponges in tapwater because they are purely mechanical. I totally understand the difference between mechanical biological and chemical filtration, however I still have a concern because once rinsed in tapwater they will contain droplets of water that has not been dechlorinated.
Surely even that small amount of non-dechlorinated water has the potential to damage some of the bacteria in your filter? Or is it literally the case that it is so little it will not have any effect? I guess I am old school and have always been told that even mechanical filtration should be rinsed in tapwater and as a consequence I have always done this at the same time as water changes and used the dirty water change water for cleaning any filter media in.
If anyone who has one of these filters can clarify the situation I would be most grateful. I have to say the only reason I am questioning my knowledge is that I have seen some very prominent aquascapers State in the reviews, that the pre-filter sponges need not be washed in tank water. I realise that these guys have extensive knowledge and experience with these products, so I am just wondering if I can get some clarity on this matter before I potentially caused any damage to the bacteria in the rest of my filter once it is up and running.
Also whilst I am asking about this filter I note that some people have claimed that there was a lot of air bubbles causing some noise and I’m just wondering if that was something that the manufacturer has resolved now or if there is an easy fix?
Thanks for all your help.
Surely even that small amount of non-dechlorinated water has the potential to damage some of the bacteria in your filter? Or is it literally the case that it is so little it will not have any effect? I guess I am old school and have always been told that even mechanical filtration should be rinsed in tapwater and as a consequence I have always done this at the same time as water changes and used the dirty water change water for cleaning any filter media in.
If anyone who has one of these filters can clarify the situation I would be most grateful. I have to say the only reason I am questioning my knowledge is that I have seen some very prominent aquascapers State in the reviews, that the pre-filter sponges need not be washed in tank water. I realise that these guys have extensive knowledge and experience with these products, so I am just wondering if I can get some clarity on this matter before I potentially caused any damage to the bacteria in the rest of my filter once it is up and running.
Also whilst I am asking about this filter I note that some people have claimed that there was a lot of air bubbles causing some noise and I’m just wondering if that was something that the manufacturer has resolved now or if there is an easy fix?
Thanks for all your help.