Fluval filter

[jockey]

Hi guys, recently bought a new filter (FLUVAL 3 PLUS) can anyone tell me how often i should clean it, your help is appreciated thanks GEORGE.

 

[pete]

Hi and firstly welcome to the Tropical Aquariums Forum

Now down to business lol

I personally run 3 of these new FLUVAL 3 internal filters but can only give you a rough guideline as filter cleaning all depends on size of tank, real or artificial plants, stocking levels (no not the nylon type lol), feeding levels and the kind of fish that you are keeping.

Basically i always clean internal filters every 2nd water change or when you notice a drop in flow rate but as for external filters well i can leave them for upto 4 months at a time before they require cleaning (i dont use activated carbon in any of my filters so i dont have to replace it at 2 week intervals) but obviously if the flow rate drops i clean them sooner.

You will notice on the top of your FLUVAL 3 is a yellow indicator that measures the flow rate this is a very good advancment over the old FLUVAL design as the old type did not have this feature, when the yellow indicator starts to dissapear into the filter housing is the time to clean your filter sponges, you will also notice the flow switch on the front of the filter housing leave this at maximum flow as it is best for filter performance and oxygenation of the water in your tank

Just a foot note............always clean all of your filter sponges etc in the tank water that you have siphoned off whilst doing your water change as if you use tap water you will kill all the helpful bacteria held within the sponges and end up with dead fish after about 2 days of putting the filter back in your tank!!!! also do not wash the sponges too well as you will still wash away upto 75% of the bacteria.......i advise just lightly washing your filter sponges as this will not wash away too much of these helpful bacteria

By the way do you use the oxygenation device that was supplied with your filter and if so what is your opinoin on it please?

 

[Great Lakes]

Pete, do any of the Fluval systems come with a bio wheel set-up? I run Magnums and have the wheels so I don't have to worry about losing the good bacteria when I clean the canister. And yes, I clean mine when the flow is diminished.
Unless you have a very large tank, most canister filters are overkill,(which is good), so they work better, longer.

 

[Davy Reynolds]

Pete said it all
I run the fluvals, but the new ones sound good 8)

 

[pete]

I have never heard of a "biowheel"?? i'd be intersested to learn the manufacturers website so i could go look it up if you dont mind

 

[Davy Reynolds]

It's an American thing, Pete

 

[pete]

Well that explains it then lol

Typicle Americans always gotta have something better than us Brits lmao j/k

 

[adeyc]

Dunno Pete. I've had a lot of questions about prob's with the biowheel thingy. I think it's like cars on the whole they work ok but every so often you get one that doesn't do what it says on the tin.

 

[pete]

Well im gonna go look on the net for some info on em as they may be a useful addition to our aquarium systems lol

You never know lol

 

[adeyc]

if you find a site let us know where it is and Me or davy will hit them for a few samples.
For ligitemet newsletter reviewing of course. :laugh:

 

[pete]

LOL but of course

 

[William]

Don't forget me

 

[pete]

But how could we? lol

 

[adeyc]

Couldn't do that William. I still owe you for last night :laugh:

 

[Rose]

the biowheel is made by Marineland. Rose