Used Filter

[Mark Z.]

Just bought a used Fluval 405 filter in great condition on eBay for a third of the price.

I'm wondering if it will need cleaning. It comes with all the filter material. Should I use that or should I buy new?

I'm planning on running it in my existing tank for a few weeks and then transfer it to a new tank.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Unless you can be absolutely sure of that filter's recent history, as in did the old tank have no nasty infectious diseases, its far safer to sterilise the filter and pads/sponges with something like Milton or diluted bleach. This will mean that the bacteria colony will be wiped out, so you could start with new pads/sponges if they look like they need replacing, then "seed" the clean filter with some material from another mature filter to get it colonised again over a few weeks.

 

[Timmy_Bee]

+1. I am doing just that with a 305

 

[the biffster]

sponges form your filter
can be sterilized with
strazin the rest of the filter can
be cleaned with vinegar
you could also use aquarium
salt solution and warm water
in fact all the media can be
done by sterazin