Canister Filter Maintenance?

[jeej]

This might seem really dumb, but the instructions that came with this (i.e. one piece of paper) tell you how to set up the filter, but they don't explain how to power it all down to gain access to the trays etc...

Can anyone tell me, in simple terms, how I turn the filter off and gain access to the three media trays without getting water everywhere, and then how I get it all running again?

I want to get the carbon out of there as I understand as it gets too old it starts to leak bad stuff back into the water. Also, what would be a good replacement for the carbon? Other than the carbon, I think one tray has floss in it and the other tray has ceramic noodles. I've read a few times that filtering through peat is meant to be good for your water, can anyone verify this or give an alternative suggestion?

Thank you!

 

[jeej]

I know some of you have canister filters! Please, put me out of my misery!

Thanks.

 

[Ian H]

i have 2 canister filters. They have "taps" on them to turn the flow on or off and always wondering if you can just turn the 2in" flow off but i havnt a clue sorry!!

with the carbon i would just replace it with foam, if its high in the filter then fine foam (like floss) or if its low the corse thick foam. The noodles will be there to breed the biological bacteria so leave them well alone!! as far as i know peat is only used to ajust the ph (can't remember if it lowers or highers the ph sorry)

 

[jeej]

Thanks for the reply Ian. But how do I gain access to the filter media without getting drenched? I'm guessing that if I pull the power lead, it will obviously stop the motor, but then if I take the top of the canister off, wont water just fly everywhere? Do I have to turn the flow switches to off on each tap first? I'm sure I could just go for some trial and error, but if I can avoid spilling water everywhere, then that is a bonus!

 

[rodg98133]

On mine i turn the flow off to the in and out pipes then disconnect from the mains then just unclip the top and lift it off. You might get a little overflow when putting the top back on but not much.

 

[rabbut]

I don't run the aquaone filters, but the disconnection is usualy simple, as follows;

1) unplug
2) close the taps, to stop all water flow
3) place down towel to catch any drips
4) remove top
5)clean media
6)check the main seal
7)replace top, and re-clip
8)open the out tap first, then the in.

the filter should now refill itself. Once full, plug in, and shake to remove any trapped air. Job done

I would use either sponge or more ceramic, in place of the carbon

HTH
Rabbut