External filter change

[mhancock]

Hi,

I've seen that after a water change some gunk will come loose in the tubes which then discharges into the tank, and can be captured by popping a net by the outlet into the tank.

However, it got me wondering how often the external filter should be cleaned? Last time I looked into it the advice was quite relaxed, wait until the flow is decreased, but now I'm wondering if it should be more often.

Thanks,


Mark

 

[AJ356]

I am a wait until the flow slows down person. Once I notice the flow rate drop to the point surface agitation is too little, that's when I clean the media in seperate tank water.

Two things I've learned over 10+ years in doing this (and I am a water testing addict) is (a) filters getting clogged up with gunk does not lead to an ammonia or nitrite issue unless the filter practically stops working due to super low flow and (b) no matter how vigorously I rinse my filter sponges when cleaning, I NEVER get an ammonia or Nitrite issue in the days proceeding the sponge cleaning.

So, for me, the argument that filter sponges "clogging" and messing with nitryfying bacteria production (if true) is not enough of a problem to lead to detecting ammonia or Nitrite and also, nitfying bacteria are able to cling on to the sponge in enough numbers (despite vigorous squeezing) to prevent ammonia and Nitrite then being detected (in my tanks anyway).

 

[AJ356]

Some people do argue, I think @Colin_T that regular media "Cleaning" helps keep pathogen levels down (sorry if I am misquoting you Colin). I am not sure if I believe that. Perhaps? Also, some people say that gunky filter media can lead to a slight increase in nitrates overall. Perhaps?

 

[OldFishKeeper]

Hi,

I've seen that after a water change some gunk will come loose in the tubes which then discharges into the tank, and can be captured by popping a net by the outlet into the tank.

However, it got me wondering how often the external filter should be cleaned? Last time I looked into it the advice was quite relaxed, wait until the flow is decreased, but now I'm wondering if it should be more often.

Thanks,


Mark

I agree with the water flow being an indication. I disagree with some aquarists and even manufacturers of cannister filters who suggest frequent cleaning.

I used sponge pre-filters on all of mine. I rinse these monthly and have gone years without the PITA disassembly and possible leaks afterwards.

 

[Innesfan]

I disagree with some aquarists and even manufacturers of cannister filters who suggest frequent cleaning.

They not only suggest frequent cleaning but also replacement of filter media, which is misguided, counterintuitive and a shameless effort to sell more of their products. A rinse in aquarium water is all that is required. I have media-- sponges, cartridges etc--that are so old I cannot recall when I got them.

 

[OldFishKeeper]

They not only suggest frequent cleaning but also replacement of filter media, which is misguided, counterintuitive and a shameless effort to sell more of their products. A rinse in aquarium water is all that is required. I have media-- sponges, cartridges etc--that are so old I cannot recall when I got them.

So true!