Filter

[george4]

Just wondering if a filter can actually be too dirty , i have had my external tetratec1200 running for about 8 months now without cleaning but it clears the water perfectly and flow rate is as good as ever. is there any real reason to clean before the flow rate drops?

many thanks for any replies

 

[Jazzzz]

old leaves and fish poo might build up and rot maybe causing a bit of amonia but dunno most time between filter cleans here is about 6 weeks

 

[Colin_T]

Filters should be cleaned once a month if possible. The main reason being that all the tank water passes through the filter several times an hour. If the filter is full of gunk (fish poo) then the tank water is being passed over and through fish poo. This leads to a build up of harmful pathogens (disease organisms) in the tank. It's a bit like the air we breathe passing through a toilet before we get it. Not very healthy for us or the fish.

Another reason to clean the filter regularly is to keep the moving components of the filter clean. The impellor and shaft will last longer if they are kept clean. If gunk builds up in and around these parts it can cause premature wear.

Finally, if you have carbon in the filter it needs to be replaced regularly, about once a month.

 

[S6TGP]

ello m8

should always clean your filter aobut once a month
Have you had your water tested at all becuase thier could be some sort of ammonia, due to the fact that thier will be a bulid up of faste waste, uneaten food and that, so it maybe worth cleaning it out,
but make sure that you clean the stuff out of the water u remove form the tank not under neith a tap beucase u will just wash away all the decent bacteria
hope this helps m8

 

[george4]

Thank you for your replies , i have learnt something new. i just figured the longer you leave a filter (within reason ) the more bacteria will build up and hence no ammonia problems. but i will clean filters more regularly . tank stats are fine tho. #

thanks again