Cleaning External Filter...when?

[mrvillicus]

I have had an All Pond Solutions external filter running for about a month now, it came with bio balls, ceramic rings and carbon (i think), im just wondering when it should be cleaned or the filter media replaced? thanks ben

 

[fishprotector]

Most people clean it when the flow starts to slow down. I clean mine monthly to keep everything nice and fresh.

I normally rinse the ceramic bio media in it's tray to reduce contact in a bucket of tankwater and squeeze the sponges in the bucket to clean them. I have had my externals running for two years and have still not bought any new sponge as it cleans well. If you have filter floss, then I normally clean this one time, then replace it the next with fresh stuff.

 

[mrvillicus]

Most people clean it when the flow starts to slow down. I clean mine monthly to keep everything nice and fresh.

I normally rinse the ceramic bio media in it's tray to reduce contact in a bucket of tankwater and squeeze the sponges in the bucket to clean them. I have had my externals running for two years and have still not bought any new sponge as it cleans well. If you have filter floss, then I normally clean this one time, then replace it the next with fresh stuff.

thanks for the reply fishprotector, much appreciated