Clean The Filters How Often?

[Ficious]

i have 2 filters on my tank, when cleaning one i can leave the other running. how do i go about cleaning them? i dont want to lose the bacteria so is there a good way of rinsing them clean??

 

[Sterbai]

i have 2 filters on my tank, when cleaning one i can leave the other running. how do i go about cleaning them? i dont want to lose the bacteria so is there a good way of rinsing them clean??

Never use tap water as the chlorinated water will kill the bacteria. Just use the tank water as it is already in contact with the bacteria. Also when youhave your hands in your tank you should turn off all electrics just in case, water and electricity don't mix... well.

 

[aaronnorth]

clean your class free of algae, syphon your water out (this also collects the algae spores) then wash your sponges in the tank water.

Once a month is ok, if your filters keep running without reduction in flow, then leave them longer.

 

[Ficious]

cleaning the filter off in the tank wont make it all cloudy will it?? i imagine syphoning the junk out wouldnt hurt either.

thanks guys!

 

[minxfishy]

cleaning the filter off in the tank wont make it all cloudy will it?? i imagine syphoning the junk out wouldnt hurt either.

thanks guys!

No dont rinse them in the tank itself!! In some tank water that you have syphoned out

I only rinse mine out once every six months or so and then only a gentle swish in the tank water. Of course it depends on your filters and your fish waste, but if the flow isnt effected, then dont worry too much, just now and again when you remember.

 

[alysonpeaches]

i have 2 filters on my tank, when cleaning one i can leave the other running. how do i go about cleaning them? i dont want to lose the bacteria so is there a good way of rinsing them clean??

Never use tap water as the chlorinated water will kill the bacteria. Just use the tank water as it is already in contact with the bacteria. Also when youhave your hands in your tank you should turn off all electrics just in case, water and electricity don't mix... well.

I must admit Im guilty of this. I always have the filter on or the heater on when I put my hands in. I have had to do a lot of replanting floating plants lately, also pulling dead bits out and I just do it without thinking. I am not dead ...........yet.

Which reminds me, do any of you use a circuit breaker? You know, the kind of thing that you have on the plug of your lawnmower in case you cut the wire. Would this protect me from electrocution?

 

[rabbut]

An RCD will cut the power if there is a fault, potentially saving your life They are a worth while inestment if you must work in your tank with the power on. It will ensure you only get a painful shock This said, I leave my equipment on whill working my home tanks all the time, and ATM, I'm still alive..... I have been shocked by tanks before, and if you aren't expecting it it is unplesant to say the least

HTH
Rabbut