Cleaning Filters?

[Clairel]

Are you supposed to clean the filters or not? As they can get a bit gunky? Or do you just buy replacement pads?

I hear washing them in water can kill your fish?

Claire x

 

[SPLiSH]

Yes, you should clean filters as they do get gunky. Every 4-6 weeks you should replace the filter media. But in between you should still clean them:

When you do a water change, take out the filter pad or media and rinse it a bit in the old tank water so some of the gunk is release I'm not sure whether you know about cycling etc. but to put it short:

Fish waste -> Harmful chemicals -> Dead fish Luckily there are certain types of bacteria that feed on fish waste and turn it into less harmful chemicals. This good bacteria lives in your gravel, filter etc. and just like your fish, it is killed by chlorine. So you can't use UNTREATED water to clean filter media, if that's what you mean.

Hope this helps.

 

[Clairel]

Ok so this is what i do, when i do my next water change, clean the filter in that water? then replace it after 4 weeks?

Thanx Claire x

 

[SPLiSH]

Yep pretty much. You don't have to rinse it EVERY water change, but abut every two weeks is good.

As to when you have to replace your media, usually every 4-6 weeks but it depends on the filter and media. Some have guidleines when you buy them.

 

[Clairel]

Thanx alot !!!

Claire x

 

[dwarfgourami]

As Splish said, it does depend on the type of filter. I've got Juwel filters, where you replace the white pad at the top every week, but only clean out the blue filter (in tank water) every 6 weeks or so, and replace it very rarely.

 

[Bloo]

Yes, you should clean filters as they do get gunky. Every 4-6 weeks you should replace the filter media. But in between you should still clean them:

Unless the the sponges (if that's the filter media you have) are falling apart, then really it does not need to be replaced at all. Many fishkeepers use their sponges for years before changing them

Weekly or bi-weekly rinsing in some siphoned tank water will de-gunk them.

Also remember to was the impellor department (filte head) very very well. Most filter problems (sluggishness) stem from that.

The only regular replacemnet I make in my internal filter, is the filter floss (the white floss pad). That I throw away on a weekly basis and replace with a new one. The sponges get rinsed and that's it really.

 

[Bloo]

As Splish said, it does depend on the type of filter. I've got Juwel filters, where you replace the white pad at the top every week, but only clean out the blue filter (in tank water) every 6 weeks or so, and replace it very rarely.

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Depends on the stocking levels really. I have a Jewel Compact H and absolutely have to rinse it every week. And I think Claire would have to do the same as her stocking levels are quite high too.....

 

[houndour]

Unless the the sponges (if that's the filter media you have) are falling apart, then really it does not need to be replaced at all. Many fishkeepers use their sponges for years before changing them

I have to agree with this.

I used to use filter wool too and that becomes pretty useless after a bit, so I used to replace that every time.

I've read somewhere not to really squeeze the foam in the water? Is this true, does it kill the bacteria? I'm been swishing mine around in the bucket since I read that.

 

[Bloo]

Unless the the sponges (if that's the filter media you have) are falling apart, then really it does not need to be replaced at all. Many fishkeepers use their sponges for years before changing them

I have to agree with this.

I used to use filter wool too and that becomes pretty useless after a bit, so I used to replace that every time.

I've read somewhere not to really squeeze the foam in the water? Is this true, does it kill the bacteria? I'm been swishing mine around in the bucket since I read that.

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mmm well in my opinion squeezing the sponges (I do mine fairly thoroughly and give a good few squeezes) removes the poo bacteria are microscopic and will adhere to the actual media - not just the poo
I never have any fluctuations in my nitrites or ammonia as a result at all. So I can only give my observations and opinions though by no means means it's the only way to do it. I guess whatever makes the water crystal clear and parameters stable and within bounds, is mostly what matters.

 

[freddyk]

A wouldn't not squeeze out my media, otherewise it isn't being cleaned out very well - there will still be lots of gunk in there. If you are concerned about losing the bio-filter, perhaps you can play it safe and rinse out only half the media at each cleaning, that way you will be sure not to kill of the bacteria.