Figured Out My Filter Issue

[coyemuse]

So. In an attempt the find out why I keep having to change my filter pads. I took the lid off the filter i put the pad into fish tank water to keep it wet. Inside the filter box was a when bunch of brown gunk. Is it okay that I took it all out?

 

[kcartwright856]

"Brown gunk" inside of a filter, if the gunk is slimy, is accumulated beneficial bacteria. It's an excellent thing! Unless it is in a place that is impeding the flow of your filter, leave it.

Pictures or at least the model of your filter and a more detailed description will help.

 

[coyemuse]

It was in a place that was making it impossible for water to go thru the filter pad. Thus causing overflow. I didn't get rid of all the brown stuff, I just reduced it so there is not more overflow problems

 

[OldMan47]

I would encourage you to clean the filter after removing your media. I take my filters to the bathroom sink and give them a good scrub under tap water before re-using the media that I saved to preserve my biofilter. There is a significant difference between saving a cycled bit of media and letting your filter go to the dogs. Get things really cleaned up then return the media to your new clean filter.

 

[coyemuse]

So if I have build up before the filter pad as well as on the plastic pad holder and on the return feed. What part needs to be cleaned completely.

 

[Prime Ordeal]

The filter pad/foam should be cleaned in old tank water by swishing it around and giving it a few squeezes.

Any other gunk in the filter should be cleaned off as it is just a breeding ground for heterotrophic bacteria and that means increased nitrates.

 

[OldMan47]

I clean the whole filter case but concentrate on getting the well the impeller drive sits in absolutely spotless. I also remove the impeller and wash it very well separately. Since the clearance between the impeller magnet and that well is tight, any speck of dirt in there means the impeller will not turn. Be careful with the impeller, those little blades that spin around are fragile and are all you have to move water through the filter. The rubbery bits on each end of the impeller shaft are absolutely necessary, do not lose them. They act as bearings for the impeller shaft.

 

[coyemuse]

Okay! Ill see what I can do