Cannister Filter Failure = Fish Emergency?

[tmack]

I think this may be the best place to post this? I run an Eheim (the type shouldn't be important) external cannister filter and I seem to recall that if these filters ever lose power for an extended amount of time that they should be cleaned (taken apart & the media rinsed in tank water) before restarting. Is this true, or can they just be restarted with no problems? I've never had this happen yet, but it would be nice to know if something needs to be done in case it does. Thanks.

Edit - please see below for the reason that I posted here.

 

[WILDER]

I would ask here.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=9

 

[tmack]

I would ask here.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=9

Hi Wilder. I had thought about posting there but it's not a typical hardware or do it yourself type question. I think if I recall correctly that a cannister filter may release a lot of toxics into the tank if turned back on after being off for an extended time. It may be due to the stagnant. bacteria laden water in the cannister & maybe even built up toxic gases. That would be a fish emergency to me, so I didn't consider it a simple question about trying to fix a mechanical failure. Now that I re-read my question I agree that it didn't sound like I explained the situation well enough. Thanks for the reply that made me realize I didn't state my question well enough to get the answers I was looking to get. Poor communication on my part. DUH on me!

I just changed the topic header - maybe that will make the purpose of my question clearer. Thanks again Wilder.

 

[WILDER]

I wish I could help more but I have never used a cannister filter so don't know much about them.
Usually a water change in the tank more than the filter.