Don't worry about overcleaning the spong. Scrub it and clean it as hard as
you like as long as you have the other filter meadia in there it should be
fine. I always clean my sponges like a crazy man when I clean my Fluval 404.
I get all that sludge out until the filter has only a slight brown tinge to
it. I have never had a problem with the tank going back into cycle though. I
must say as a note I always give a shot of cycle whenever I change the water
or do filter cleaning so maybe this helps stop that.

--
Craig Williams
_________________________________

www.Canadiancray.tk
"Commander Vimes" wrote in message
...
Hi there,

I have a small set up at home with a Fluval 2 Plus canister filter.
The instructions with regards to filter maintenance are unclear (or
I'm stupid) so I'm seeking advice here.

I did a 25% water change today and tried to clean the filter. I did
this by removing the sponge filters and rinsing them in the water I
had removed. My question is how hard should this rinsing be? My method
of rinsing basically removed just large debris such as plant leaves.
The filter medium was still brown in colour and has a fine brown
sludge in it. I am nervous about cleaning more vigarously as I do not
want to remove the bacteria which I believe live in the filter (or
have I grabbed totally the wrong end of the stcik here?).

The instructions also say that the filter medium will last 4 months
before needing replacement...I am assuming I do not change both pads
at once as this will certainly cause the tank to go into cycle again,
won't it?

Any advice is always appreciated as I know you guys really know your
stuff!

Thanks,

Vimes