How Often Do You Clean Your External?

[sadguppy]

By adding a sponge to the intake, which I squeeze clean in old tank water when I do water changes, I have noticed the flow doesn't drop as quickly as it used to.

 

[snazy]

I've had mine for more than a year. It took me 6 months too before I cleaned mine for the first time and it was because I was curious but then I never rush into cleaning a newly cycled filter either.  After that occassion, I happened to empty just the water once and cleaned it more thouroughly another time. The flow has never dropped in mine but I guess it depends on the filter, filter media, type of fish, etc...Today is about a year and one month since setup and I replaced all floss with sponges instead. And I am amazed by the results . I guess it was about time to change the old floss

 It's still intact though.
Strange that I never got high nitrAtes(0-10ppm normally) with that schedule. In fact, the tank was 0-ing on nitrAtes as I have plants.

 

[raptorrex]

once every 12 months or so.

 

[Livewire88]

Once I notice the flow rate start to drop my filters get a clean.
 
I would guess once every 3 months.

 

[Liz xty]

Thanks everyone. I switched to an external from and internal at the new year, so just wanted a feel as to what others do. I was thinking every month or so, but I guess if flow is still good, it can last longer.

I've also recently changed (with a new tank) and did have a look when I did a water change but there was nothing to squish from the sponges! So I too wondered what a reasonable routine would be.
My internal filter would obviously reduce flow rate after about 10 days so I cleaned the sponges on a weekly basis (leaving the bio baskets alone).
My house plants benefitted from the grotty water after the sponges were squished in it! So they're going to have less treats now!

 

[Livewire88]

Its not the case of the sponges/media becoming dirty, for me its more of a case of the filter floss becoming filthy and all the poo that gets trapped under the bottom tray.
 
Makes me feel sick when I tip it out!

 

[IcQb]

indeed, the poo and debris in the bottom tray!

Isn't that the most glamorous part of fishkeeping xD

 

[Livewire88]

indeed, the poo and debris in the bottom tray!

Isn't that the most glamorous part of fishkeeping xD

 
And what makes it even worse is I usually find about 20+ shrimp that have been sucked up into the filter.
 
Poor things seem to do well living amongst it all!! but its a pain getting them out.