How do I unclog whisper power filter?

[Durbkat]

I have a whisper 20 power filter and when I bought it a year ago it was powerful but now its really weak. How do I unclog it? Oh and its a 10 gallon tank.

 

[Dubby]

I dont own a Whisper but looking at the model on Tetra's website it looks like you can either replace the biobag or clean the impeller. I suppose you have done the biobag bit..... so take the whole unit, open any parts which can be opened and place under a tap to wash off the gunk that must have accumulated inside.

 

[Durbkat]

Well I have taken the whole thing apart before and I can see this brown junk in it but my finger can't fit inside the tube and I have this really small and long undergravel brush but all it did was push it back further. Anyone else have a suggestion?

 

[Fishist]

Take a piece of wire and make a hook at one end with some pliers.

 

[Durbkat]

Thanks. Just out of curiosty is their a easier way to do this since I don't want to ruin one of my hangers and their might be something on the hanger that could harm the fish.

 

[guppymonkey]

Go out and buy a flexi-coil brush to clean out the intake tube. They are really cheap but definately necessary for cleaning.

 

[Tolak]

Stick it under the faucet & blast it out.

Be careful of which way the end is pointed, you don't want a face full of fish goo!

Tolak

 

[Durbkat]

Tolak will this kill any bacteria?

 

[Tolak]

It's a plastic tube, your bacteria are in the media.

I clean the entire filter except the media that way, a short hose on my utility sink works wonders.

Tolak

 

[Durbkat]

Thank you very much tolak.

 

[Kanake]

Oh goody I'm a newbe and know this one! There is a box where the electric cord comes out. On the bottom. Very gently twist and turn and pull it from the bottom. I used a Q Tip. Also be for you remove it notice there is a notch when you push it back in line up the notch.

 

[Kanake]

I use the Q Tip to clean out fish goo. Sorry I got so excited didn't finish the thought.

 

[Durbkat]

Thanks kanake now that sounds easyier.

 

[Dubby]

If the tap doesnt help, use earbuds, old kids toothbrush, pipe cleaner, etc. I have also sometimes soaked my whole unit (dont know if yours can be kept totally underwater) in mild detergent water and then used the tap to flush the gunk.