Filter Now Constantly Clogging

[tez2k007]

No matter how many times I unblock my filter and shake off any slime from my filter pads it seems its not long before its blocked again. Im talking an hour or so. Do you think it could be time to change the pads as when i open the filter it looks like they have expanded and are practiclly right agaisnt each other which is blocking the flow of water between them. Its the fluval 3 by the way.

 

[waterdrop]

This could be the sign of a filter media volume too small for the fish stocking load.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[three-fingers]

Are you sure it's not the intake that's clogging instead? In a matter of hours is ridiculous, how messy is your tank, and how are you cleaning the filter pads?

 

[tez2k007]

Are you sure it's not the intake that's clogging instead? In a matter of hours is ridiculous, how messy is your tank, and how are you cleaning the filter pads?

Tank is spotless its planted and had no problems. Had current pads going since november. the intake seems fine but when you look down the middle of the filter the pads seem like they are practicly together rather than having the gap down the middle. When I clean them i just shake them off in a bucket with tank water.

 

[three-fingers]

Are you talking about the middle fine particle white pad? Or the two sponges on either side?

When you clean the pads out, you should squeeze them out in the old tank water until as much dirt is gone as possible, not just shake them .

 

[tez2k007]

Are you talking about the middle fine particle white pad? Or the two sponges on either side?

When you clean the pads out, you should squeeze them out in the old tank water until as much dirt is gone as possible, not just shake them .

I dont currently have 1 of the white pads in just the 2 normal foam pads. Ah right I thought it was more of a case of just shaking them rather than squeezing them incase it killed off any bacteria. Got 2 healthy blue rams that I have had for over a month now and along with my water stats I knew my tank was clean. Will do this though when I get in.

 

[gaz gun man]

is the 1 white pad a polishing pad? I found they normally got quite clogged in my external and needed changing every month, so I binned them.