Filter Maintenance When/how After A Cycle (1Month On)

[markandjanice]

recently cycled my tank (juwel vision 180) using a tetratec ex1200, i noticed yday that the spray bar doesnt seem as powerful as say it did on thursday (been away for the wkend).

on lookin closer the spraybar looks like it has algae, tiny little thin flowing strands and the pipe obviously isnt clear like it was new and has speckles all over it.

as it is only one month old ie fully cycled do i leave it or clean? clean sponges etc?

i keep malawi cichlids which are messy fish, i have the internal filter in the tank as of two weeks ago as well.

any advice and tips very welcomes, as i same i was told not to mess with the media and leave it a few month buts as i say there is deffo build up and the spray bar has slowed slightly.

mark

 

[Aquascaper]

Best way is to clean it while doing a water change:

1. Remove the tank water into a bucket
2. Remove the sponges, etc. from the filter and squeeze them in the old tank water until clean(ish)
3. Replace sponges, etc.
4. If you want to clean the spraybar then do this using the old tank water as well
5. Replace everything
6. Complete your water change
7. Turn everything back on

Sorted

 

[Moby-Krib]

Best way is to clean it while doing a water change:

1. Remove the tank water into a bucket
2. Remove the sponges, etc. from the filter and squeeze them in the old tank water until clean(ish)
3. Replace sponges, etc.
4. If you want to clean the spraybar then do this using the old tank water as well
5. Replace everything
6. Complete your water change
7. Turn everything back on

Sorted

Would not add anything really, just reinforce the point(s) make sure you clean your imature filter media in tank water!!
squeeze lightly, do not over clean your young filter.
pay attention to the impeller housing, this can be cleaned till sparkling..
Go easy on the sponges/ media till you reach the 6 month or better mark. But yes do some maintenance if you see marked a drop in performance.

 

[markandjanice]

Best way is to clean it while doing a water change:

1. Remove the tank water into a bucket
2. Remove the sponges, etc. from the filter and squeeze them in the old tank water until clean(ish)
3. Replace sponges, etc.
4. If you want to clean the spraybar then do this using the old tank water as well
5. Replace everything
6. Complete your water change
7. Turn everything back on

Sorted

Would not add anything really, just reinforce the point(s) make sure you clean your imature filter media in tank water!!
squeeze lightly, do not over clean your young filter.
pay attention to the impeller housing, this can be cleaned till sparkling..
Go easy on the sponges/ media till you reach the 6 month or better mark. But yes do some maintenance if you see marked a drop in performance.

ok i'll clean the spray bar out in the tank water i remove tonight, and i'll also clean the impeller, i never thought of that, i won't touch the sponges to be honest with it being so newly cycled etc... thanks both very helpful always like to check