What do you have to replace for the filter media? And how often I don't believe what the company says about every month
1045505
Just rinse the pad out weekly. There's plenty of good bacteria growing all over the substrate so you're not going to destroy it by rinsing. My pad is over a year old and works fine.
1045506
Its depends of the size or the aquarium and number of fishes. Don't believe the company, I use to replace maybe each 3-4 month and some components do not have to be replace, only wash them. Regards!!!
1045507
I have mine on a 55 gallon tank with another filter under the tank, and it works great, will clean it out every two to three months by just washing them out, but the bio rings I will most likely leave alone as this is where your biological organisms will do most of the breakdown.
1045508
The manufacturer will always lure you to change you filter media regularly/monthly to insure good business. What i do is clean each one 2-3 weeks depending on how dirty the filter is. I clean it under high pressured water. Don't change it unless it no longer capable of filtering. You can see/ base it in your water clarity.
1045509
It probably would cost you roughly $50 if you use all the media available for it. In my case I don't use the c-nodes or the carbon. I probably spent around $20 for a 3 to 4 month cycle.
1045510
Here is what I do. Pull the foam pad once a week and see how it is doing. If it is clear and not dirty go to once a week. The foam pad can be rinsed off. Carbon goes bad and needs to be replace once a month or so. The bio stuff you can rinse off using the water from the tank so as not to kill off the good bacteria.
1045511
Just bio rings and the carbon pad if you use it. I probably will never change the bio rings ever, and I chose not to do the carbon
1064808
I've owned a unit about two years. I replaced the filter after year 1 and just replaced it the second time. The unit seemed to work OK, but the filter does get a little "grungy". I'd say replace at least once a year (I only run the unit during the winter and early Spring months-November to April)
707883
The whole filter gets replaced. I don't replace mine every 6 months either; I do it on a as needed basis. I can smell the chorine in the water right away. I typically keep one on hand to change out.
27920
I think it's normal. I know for sure that filters need to be replaced every two months.
1029760
There was a 3M reusable wipe that was enclosed with the filter... If it was not in your package contact 3M, they will usually ship a replacement out to you.
194025
Honestly it seems like every time you use it the filter gathers dust and you just wipe it off with your hand *Think lint brush here*.As soon as it's clean you're done. in terms of replacing it. Hmmm who knows...seems like it should hold up for quite a long time. If not you can replace it for like $5 on their website or make your own.
1103065
There is no external measure for determining when to change the filter. So I change it on a schedule basis, every 3 months.
1718248
There is a cartridge that can be replaced, I don't know how often it needs to be done! I haven't had mine long enough!
1791508
There are three filters One permanent, two replaceable. You should "clean" and re-use the initial filter monthly depending on the work load. I haven't had this unit very long so I just take the front cover off and visually check the filter. The cover is very easy to remove & replace. The other two filters are expected to last around 18 months. They have to be replaced, not cleaned. When the cover is off there are a series of led lights telling you the condition of the filters. By the way, removal and replacement of the filters is really easy.
966857
It's three filters that are replaced every six months. All three are used together. They come in a very compact container and are very easy to install and remove. I hope this is helpful information.
463372
I haven't replaced my filter yet. However I plan on using generic filler filters from Home Depot. The kind you just cut to size.
1939372
What I did was vacuum the actual blue filter thoroughly as it really didn't look very dirty even though I got a "change filter" message. Then I washed the plastic grid piece it fits into thoroughly and let it dry. I reassembled it and still got a change filter message. However, I discovered there is a tiny "reset filter" hole near the top of the inside of the unit where you place the filter. I stuck a paperclip in the hole and pushed, and now it's behaving as if it has a brand new filter! I think maybe if this is done on a regular basis that you can get a lot more use out of this unit, even though the filters are "no longer available." What I did was vacuum the actual blue filter thoroughly as it really didn't look very dirty even though I got a "change filter" message. Then I washed the plastic grid piece it fits into thoroughly and let it dry. I reassembled it and still got a change filter message. However, I discovered there is a tiny "reset filter" hole near the top of the inside of the unit where you place the filter. I stuck a paperclip in the hole and pushed, and now it's behaving as if it has a brand new filter! I think maybe if this is done on a regular basis that you can get a lot more use... » Read More What I did was vacuum the actual blue filter thoroughly as it really didn't look very dirty even though I got a "change filter" message. Then I washed the plastic grid piece it fits into thoroughly and let it dry. I reassembled it and still got a change filter message. However, I discovered there is a tiny "reset filter" hole near the top of the inside of the unit where you place the filter. I stuck a paperclip in the hole and pushed, and now it's behaving as if it has a brand new filter! I think maybe if this is done on a regular basis that you can get a lot more use out of this unit, even though the filters are "no longer available." « Show Less
1875590
What I did was vacuum the actual blue filter thoroughly as it really didn't look very dirty even though I got a "change filter" message. Then I washed the plastic grid piece it fits into thoroughly and let it dry. I reassembled it and still got a change filter message. However, I discovered there is a tiny "reset filter" hole near the top of the inside of the unit where you place the filter. I stuck a paperclip in the hole and pushed, and now it's behaving as if it has a brand new filter! I think maybe if this is done on a regular basis that you can get a lot more use out of this unit, even though the filters are "no longer available."
208083
I clean mine every 2-3 months, but I've only replaced the media once in the 14 months I've had it. Probably some people will say that's not enough, but my tank is still happy and healthy with no nitrogen issues.
2252528
So far I haven't had that issue. I just clean off the filter - wipe off with paper towel or hand and replace it. I haven't had it longer than about one month.
2123068
Yes, you'll need to change it every month or so. The meter indicator will tell you when to change it. Very easy to change & filters are not expensive
922616
and usage...if you run it 24/7. I would change every three or four months. Some folks just vacuum the filters. I'm goona try it.)