Cleaning Filter

[pumpkinnose]

I've never done it before and want to try and save myself the problem of having to get a whole new unit. Is there a way I can without messing up my cycle. I know I can change the removable filter but I also want to make sure I get the algea that is bulding up in the unit out also.

Oh plus with the removable filter can I just clean it in the water I vacuum out of my aquarium so its not so covered in gunk itself?

 

[justin85]

Is your filter inturnal or external ?
You should alway clean any filter with water out of the aquarium.

 

[Moby-Krib]

I've never done it before and want to try and save myself the problem of having to get a whole new unit. Is there a way I can without messing up my cycle. I know I can change the removable filter but I also want to make sure I get the algea that is bulding up in the unit out also.

Oh plus with the removable filter can I just clean it in the water I vacuum out of my aquarium so its not so covered in gunk itself?

you say "Is there a way I can without messing up my cycle"
If you are still cycling the filter then don't clean it unless it becomes clogged or the flow drops extremely low.
Otherwise I fear you will just extend your cycling time.
If anything just a quick swish in tank water NO SQUEEZING

Otherwise then yes clean it gently in tank water

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Is this a brand new filter, one you have had in use for a while, or one you have bought second hand that was in use (kept damp) until you picked it up?

Normally I try to clean my external filters about once every two to three months. I gently squeeze the pads and rinse the Eheim Substrat Pro media a few times in removed tank water, then open up the impeller cavity to clean the impeller and cavity with a few wet (from tank water) cotton buds.

After putting the filter back together again, I turn it back on and fire the filter output into a bucket (or drain for outside my garage 5x2x2) for 5-10 seconds, because that first bit of water coming through the filter again will make a mockery of a water change... Turning the tank water close to the resemblance of a sess pit!

 

[pumpkinnose]

I've only had the aquarium running almost 4 weeks with a fish-in cycle. So yea I'm still in the cycling process and yes its a brand new filter. The filtration system is external and is an aqua-tech 5-15 gallon that hooks to the back of the aquarium.