Filter Maintenance

[CAC]

Hi, how do you maintain your filter, and how should i do mine?
Mine simply has 4 sponges (2 course, 2 fine) so i was thinking, one time would i wash one course and one fine out, and then rotate the next time?
How often should i do this, and how vigirus should i be (will it destroy some of the bacteria?!?!)...
Anything else i need to do?
(P.S. I know you have to wash them in tank water only )

Thanks alot, Mikey

 

[Bloo]

What type of filter is it ?
Internal - I use to clean mine weekly. Squeezing sponges lightly in siphoned tank water. And clean mechanical bits well and flush out any mulm. Replace filter floss if need be.
External - I do mine every few months (hence my love for external filters).

 

[raptorrex]

Hi, how do you maintain your filter, and how should i do mine?
Mine simply has 4 sponges (2 course, 2 fine) so i was thinking, one time would i wash one course and one fine out, and then rotate the next time?
How often should i do this, and how vigirus should i be (will it destroy some of the bacteria?!?!)...
Anything else i need to do?
(P.S. I know you have to wash them in tank water only )

Thanks alot, Mikey

well i used to wash one sponge every week, but i had a white polisher in and i changed that every week. i got a cannister and now i do one section, every other week but still change the white polisher every week, also have filterwool too which i wash every week, and change roughly every two weeks.

 

[Teelie]

I try to do the HOB's once a month but it usually ends up every 2-3 months. The cannister I do monthly and the internal filter I do every month or two as well. So on average, every 2 months or so I go on a filter maintanence spree and clean them all up.

 

[andywg]

I do the biological part of my sump filtration (bio balls and alfagrog) about once every 12 to 18 months. The filter floss for the trickle towers is cleaned about once per week under the showerhead to get rid of any crap.

 

[Richie Hell]

We haven't really done much filter maintenance yet, being fish newbies! Our water quality is great though.

Most important thing is to change the white sponge (or equivalent) often! We didn't and the whole filter shut down one evening. We came home and the tank was filthy, all green with crap floating round. Quickly changed the sponge and by morning all was well.

 

[Marshall..]

I think it depends how heavily stocked your aquarium is, one section every week will keep the water in top condition. I try and keep the biological filter as clear from crap as possible just leave those sponges for the bacteria and your first sponge (mechanical) to hold the waste clean ths once a week too.

 

[Callum]

i used to do my fluval external once every 2 weeks but i plan on doing my new tetra ex 1200 once a month

 

[CAC]

Allright, thanks for all the replys
I think ill wash one sponge out every week, two if i feel its needed...

Cheers again