Washing filters with tap water?

[tonybologna000]

I'm attempting to lower nitrate levels in my aquarium. I have a sump filter setup with 3 trays containing filters. Is it potentially harmful to wash these filters with tap water? I wring them out once cleaned.

anybody have any input on this? Thanks.

 

[Sk8r]

Best do it with ro/di or distilled. If you use tap, use a chloramine remover like Prime or Amquel [I THINK both of those take out chloramine] but you risk copper from your pipes and more nitrate coming in from your city water.

 

[chrisqueenz]

I use tap water and never noticed any problems...

 

[APBorisov]

It was always my understanding that as long as your wring out most of the water, you're not going to introduce enough to make a difference. It's not like you're pouring in cups of it. Although, if I was doing this for a nano (or something smaller), I might take the extra effort.

 

[tonybologna000]

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[reefnetworth]

if they are carbon filters, they should be disposed of. once carbon is full, it starts to release all it has traped back into the tank. if they are foam or floss filters, i agree with Sk8r on the non-tap water and use Seachem's "Prime" in a bucket to rinse them. empty and repeat a couple of times. have a great weekend!
JDM...

 

[Icefire]

You should rinse them in saltwater or you'll kill the bacteria (for sponge/ceramic noodle)