Cleaning Fliter

[Sesshis_grl]

I have a question about cleaning the filter and don't seem to see an answer in the beginner section

I know how to clean the sponge but what about the rest of the filter? If you were to get rid of the sponge can you completely clean the plastic parts or is bacteria hanging on that too? I really don't want to wipe out my bacteria and have to cycle again but theres a lot of algae inside the filter and looks like it needs to be wiped/rinsed off.

can anyone explain how to take care of this?

 

[waterdrop]

If the filter is under about 3 months old I wouldn't clean any of the inside parts of the filter (except the impeller if it needs cleaning.) I'd just gently squeeze out the sponge in tank water (never use tap water, as you know.) If there are any loose media such as ceramic gravel or ceramic cylinders then dunk and swish those in tank water also.

If the filter is more than 3 months old it is beginning to get reasonably mature and I'd think it would be fine to clean the other inside parts of the filter such as the plastic trays and the inside filter box surfaces. Its fine to just do this using a sponge (in fishkeeping always be careful not to get sponges that have any soap or chemicals in them) or your hand under running tap water. Cleaning filter structures or decorations in tap water is fine, its just the media that you want to be careful with.

Each time a filter is cleaned the impeller should be carefully removed and very delicately cleaned. Be especially careful in case the impeller has a ceramic shaft. These are very breakable. Some manufacturers make special sized brushes that can help clean the impeller well and the tube where the shaft goes. If a filter has any silicon seals or other parts, these need to be rubbed with silicon grease or vasoline. Ideally you remove these parts and rub down all surfaces with your fingers.

~~waterdrop~~