In reviewing my filtration, I keep reading about pre-filters.
I don't currently use them.
As I understand it, they are basically just a piece of coarse sponge over the intake of a canister filter.
I've also read quite a few recommendations about cleaning pre-filters regularly, whilst cleaning the media in a canister less often, so as to not disturb the bacteria. This may be valid, but I'm sceptical about the need to mollycoddle bacteria: if the media doesn't dry out and is only washed in tank water, that seems sufficient to me.
Additionally, I've seen comments from UKAPS gurus, that moving organic waste from the tank to the canister still keeps it in the water column ... which makes a lot of sense to me.
So other than convenience, are there any advantages to pre-filters?
I don't currently use them.
As I understand it, they are basically just a piece of coarse sponge over the intake of a canister filter.
I've also read quite a few recommendations about cleaning pre-filters regularly, whilst cleaning the media in a canister less often, so as to not disturb the bacteria. This may be valid, but I'm sceptical about the need to mollycoddle bacteria: if the media doesn't dry out and is only washed in tank water, that seems sufficient to me.
Additionally, I've seen comments from UKAPS gurus, that moving organic waste from the tank to the canister still keeps it in the water column ... which makes a lot of sense to me.
So other than convenience, are there any advantages to pre-filters?