Should I Perform A Filter Maintenance

[Dibbs123]

Hi all,

Tank still cycling. had an issue with Nitries but have been doing 50% water changes 3 times a day since Saturday. Nitrates are still very high between 40 and 80ppm. Nitrites under control by water changes and at 0.25ppm.

The tank has now got alot of brown algae on the gravel and ornaments. I have three small live plants in the tank.

I am wondering should I clean the filter now?? Filter been running for 5 and half weeks. It is a cannister filter tank is 180ltr. Is it best to leave it until the tank has fully cycled.

I know I should have a done a fishless cycle but mis informed by LFS. I have 6 Black wido tetras and 2 dwarf gournamies.

Thanks

 

[rabbut]

As a rule, you want to let alone the filter untill flow drops. Keeping a filter too clean is as bad as keeping it blocked. A well maintained filter's media will be permenantly discoloured with rubbish. A good exturnal suited to the tank should go for about 6 months before needing any attention

 

[OldMan47]

I use several canister filters and only ever clean any of them when the flow drops. In my established tank, it is not unusual to see a canister that doesn't need cleaning for over 3 months. Canister filters have a very large filter area compared to HOB filters and do not need nearly as much maintenance. When they do need maintenance it is a little harder to do so there is that trade off to consider.

 

[rabbut]

I'd argue that they are no worse for internals for cleaning TBH... Unless you have a cheap and nasty or a Fluval...

 

[OldMan47]

I have a few of the HOB filters that have a simple filter cartridge in them. With the filter running, I can pull the cartridge, rinse it off in about a minute and just stick it back in place. That seems very simple compared to shutting down a canister, taking it apart, cleaning the media , putting all back together and starting the filter back up. I do a Fluval 4+ that is more trouble to clean than a HOB.