"Peter" wrote in message
news:kNBjd.2993$EM3.1528@trndny07...
Hi All,

I have a couple of Eheim Professionel 2s that have been using the same
Substrat media since the filters were purchased (one two years ago, one
about a year ago). From what I've read, it seems like this media was
designed to be changed on a regular basis. Why? Does it lose
effectiveness
after a while? I rinse all the media in the filters about once a month
when
I do water changes, and it seems to be clean after the rinse is complete.
If I am supposed to change it once in a while, about how often should I
change it (I know it most likely would depend on the bioload of the tank,
but I'm looking for a general guideline)?

I see that Eheim now makes a new version called Substrat Pro. Do people
have any comments or opinions on this new media? I'm debating whether to
try this new stuff or keep using the regular Substrat.



I believe the reason for replacing the media has something to do with the
pores of the Substrat clogging over time and reducing the effectiveness? As
long as you are rinsing in tank discard water (or dechlorinated water) it
may extend the usage a bit- how much is hard to determine.

I also seem to remember a six month recommendation as far as switching it
out, so this is what I have always followed. I switch half of the Substrat
in each filter and never replace it all in one time. I run a 2028 and a
2026.
I bought the Substrat Pro last time but honestly couldn't tell you if it
made any difference or not.

I realize that I'm being vague here- I truly don't remember where I got my
information so hesitate to state anything as fact.


--
Toni
http://www.cearbhaill.com/discus.htm