My New Fluval 205

[Westwood]

Hi i have just brought my first external filter today, i brought the fluval 205 as due to the great reviews it is given. I have set it up, and i was wondering, do you guys have and advice on how often i should clean out the filter or replace the media?
Thanks

Edit: I have noticed the filter every now and again blowing out a lot of fine bubbles, i am guessing this is just the Air pockets being removed from the filter, but how long should this last for?

 

[VaegaVic]

With all the externals I've ever owned, I've cleaned them out once a month and replaced the media only when REALLY needed.

 

[BackToTheFishes]

I give my 205 a quick rinse out once a fortnight,squeeze the sponges out in tank water.simples

 

[Verminator89]

I clean my fluvals out once or twice a month as i find they clog up really easily. Mine are a nightmare and i'm never buying Fluval ever again.

Yes, they will blow out air pockets for a while. I find tilting it each direction 2 times helps get rid of the bubbles. Just don't over do it else you'll cut the water flow and you'll burn the pump out if you leave it running and not pushing water through. I give mine a little kick to wobble it and remove bubbles also (but also because i don't like them)

In future i'm going the eheim route

 

[CrystalClear16]

I go down the 'don't replace media until it is literally falling apart' route.

I have the exact same filter and am pretty happy with it. I also clean it once a month.

 

[Gvilleguy]

I've had a 205 running for over 3 months, and once per month was TOO often for my tank. I popped it open after the first month and it was still very clean. So I'm probably 6-8 weeks between cleanings on mine. And all I do is gently rinse the foam sponges in a bucket of tank water. I have found that the baskets are not even soiled with 'stuff' yet.

And fine air bubbles will usually come out of mine every once in a while for about a day after I do a cleaning. I don't think it's a problem unless it never stops producing air bubbles.

 

[Westwood]

Thanks for the information, its really appreciated. I'm going to open my filter up in 4 - 6 weeks time and see how bad it is and judge from there.
Also the bubbles have stopped, and i'm really happy with the filter itself. Also it is very quite which i am glad about.
Now all i have do do is make the dreaded switch from Gravel to sand.