Steps to scraping off algae and then cleaning filter advice please

[kevfiz]

Hi i am trying to work out best way to scrape algae then clean filter. Is it best to scrape algae then leave it 24 hours for filter to suck it up then clean out filter. Or is there another way to do it?

 

[Colin_T]

Use a clean soap-free sponge (cheap sponge that doesn't have any soap in it) and wipe the algae off. Then do a big water change and gravel clean. Then clean the filter tomorrow or today if you want to.

If you have a power filter, wash the filter media/ materials in a bucket of aquarium water and re-use the media. Tip the bucket of dirty water on the lawn outside.

Don't clean the filter if it's less than 8 weeks old because you can disturb or remove the beneficial filter bacteria growing in it and screw up the filter cycle.

 

[kevfiz]

How do i clean this stuff without it breaking up into dust?

 

[Colin_T]

Is that a plant substrate?

You can use a gravel cleaner to gently clean areas around plants but most people that use plant substrates don't gravel clean it and simply let it get gross from fish food and waste breaking down in it.

You can buy a basic model gravel cleaner like the one in the following link (about half way down the page) from any pet shop. You can also make them from a plastic drink bottle and length of garden hose or clear plastic hose (available from hardware stores).

Aquarium Cleaning Made Easy

Aquarium cleaning should take 30 minutes every two weeks. Learn how the professionals do it in 18 easy steps.

www.about-goldfish.com

 

[Back in the fold]

How do i clean this stuff without it breaking up into dust?

Be careful with that stuff I think it’s pretty light and only a very small vacuum won’t pull it out . Vacuum around it lightly with a siphon vacuum and rely on your water changes to take care of things . The plants should be utilizing most of the fish waste anyway .