Cleaning The Filter?

[kittencapes]

H Everyone,

I have a small tank with two fancy goldfish in. I have had them about 3 months now, and wondered if I should clean the filter? I have performed regular water changes throughout, but never touched the filter.

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

I should think it will need a bit of a clean by now, yes!

Next time you do a water change, take the sponges or whatever is in your filter out and just swish it gently in the water you've taken out of the tank. If it's really filthy you can give it a squeeze or two, but that's all. Then put it back in the filter. Make sure no chlorinated water gets into it.

I guess you know I'm going to tell you you need a bigger tank for goldies?

 

[brian2708]

As fluttermouth suggest, but I wanted to really highlight this point.

Make sure you ONLY clean it out in dechlorinated water, ie the dirty tank water will be sufficient, otherwise you may end up killing all the useful bacteria.