Changing Filter Catridges

[Jason]

Am I supposed to wash the cartidges before I put them to replace the old ones? If so, am I supposed to wash them with tap water, distilled water, or tank water?

I just changed mine and didn't wash it at all, just shook some of the gravel out of the mesh.

I probably made a boo-boo, didn't I?

 

[Ferris]

The best thing is to clean the filter media in tank water, this way you retain the beneficial bacteria.

 

[Kirsty]

I have the Fluval 2 plus, and i am not exactly sure how to maintain it and which pads to use. It came with a carbon and polyster filter pads as well as 2 other pads already inside.
Came someone explain to me how to maintain it as i did not find the guide very helpful.

 

[Welsh_Woman]

I have a fluval plus, I wash the sponges out every few months and change 1 filter pad every 6 months, keeping the other one for the bacteria, theen next time i do a change i do the other one.

 

[jimw13uk]

I have a fluval 2 plus and my maintenance is as follows

Every week when i change the water i inspect the filter pads - I give the filter nozzle a flush out with water as gunk build up in the nozzle and the impeller.
Every few months I chuck one of the pads away and replace with a new one which i give a good wash in dirty tank water. NEVER replace all at the same time or even more than one.

If i inspect the filter and the pads look dirty i give them a light rinse in the dirty tank water but i do not squeeze them and clean them up nicely .

I think that should do it.

The most important part of it is keeping the powerhead section clear of debris cos this does really get clogged up - I stick the hose into it and give it a good flush out