How Often To Clean Filter

[Rynofasho]

I've searched for about 15 minutes on here but can't find an answer. How often do you need to clean your filter out? I found how and what to do / not do, just nothing about frequency. Thank you.

 

[the biffster]

I've searched for about 15 minutes on here but can't find an answer. How often do you need to clean your filter out? I found how and what to do / not do, just nothing about frequency. Thank you.

internal or external

 

[Rynofasho]

HOB filter, Aquaclear 50, 36 gallon tank. Original media (first layer sponge, second charcoal, third biobag)

 

[the biffster]

HOB filter, Aquaclear 50, 36 gallon tank. Original media (first layer sponge, second charcoal, third biobag)

charcoal i would only use
when removing medications
sponge every time you do
a water change wash the
sponges out in the old tank
water third one i don't know much
about if its biological media
just wash wash in old tank water
like the sponges

 

[Rynofasho]

Alright, will do. Thanks!

 

[waterdrop]

If your filter is getting mature (has a number of months of running already) then giving the media a rinse in tank water each week when you perform a gravel-clean-water-change should be fine, however you could probably get away easily with every other week or even monthly, depending on how close the bioload is to full stocking. An understocked tank might not see nitrate(NO3) rising much until a month out, whereas an overstocked tank might find it rising within the week.

For biofilters still in their first 4 months or so of being built, it's often safer to have fewer and more gentle squeeze-outs so as not to lose as much bacteria. Amount of debris is a factor though and you always want to respond if you see flow diminishing.

~~waterdrop~~