external filter maintenance

[keithg]

HI ALL
I've completed a fishless cycle ( 18 days ) and transferred my fish, after 2 weeks added a new plec.
My previous tank had an internal filter with sponge media only.
My new external filter ( aqua one cf 1000 ) has plastic balls on the bottom, then ceramic tubes with a floss mat, then 2 layers of sponge on top. How often should I clean the media, should I clean them all at same time, or any other advice appreciated.

 

[freddyk]

It's best to clean any sponges or foam and any loose debris every month or so, while the bio-media usually doesn't need cleaning very often at all. Because canisters hold so much waste many people will go 3, 6, or even up to 12 months without cleaning them, but they're also overlooking the fact that waste rotting in the filter is still waste rotting in the aquarium. I'm not familar with your filter model, but it's ideal to have the water go through the mechanical media before it hits the bio-media, to keep the bio-media cleaner. When you do feel you need to clean the bio-media it's best to do only half at a time so that you don't kill you're bio-filter - the sponge and floss you can do all at once.

Since your tank is new and not very stocked, however, I'd let the filter run for a couple of months without being touched, let it mature before starting regular maintenance.

 

[astroboy]

Depending on how high your bioload is, you can get away with rinsing your canister media every month.

In my case, i have a high bioload along with messy fish, so i clean all my filters (2 canisters, 1 HOB and a powerhead) every week.

 

[Mordinbar]

When i clean the biomedia, I just use tank water from a water change. I just use a gravel vac and pump it into a bucket, let it sit for a min or two so the waste settles, and then pour the 'clean' water over my media. That way i dont run a risk of killing anything, and all the waste gets cleaned out of the filter.

Yay i got to contribute

-Mord