Hello everyone,
Can anyone detail the proper canister filter maintenance? I've got dual Fluval 406 filters on my 90G planted tank. I've forced myself into the habit of cleaning each filter once every two or three weeks (I never do both at once), but I'm not sure if I'm missing something.
Here's my process:
-Empty tank water into buckets
-Disassemble canister
-Take out each compartment of filter media (biomax, sponges, water polishers) and rinse them around in the buckets of tank water
-For sponges/polishers, I simply hand scrub them in the tank water to get debris off of them. I don't scrub them too much because I do not want to damage by my BB.
My main area of concern is regarding the sponge cleaning. What is appropriate here? How much scrubbing is too much? The polishers in particular look pretty brown because in the beginning they were neglected, but that is more of a stain than a clog -- they are pretty clean now that I have stepped up my maintenance.
Other question:
- I do not remove the intake/output hoses and clean the insides. Am I supposed to? If so, how do you all do that? The filter flow seems fine, btw, so I don't think they are clogged or anything.
Final thought & advice to others:
- I am happy with my canisters, but for those out there who don't like to keep up on maintenance a good set of HOB filters is probably easier/quicker to clean without making a mess or adding 15-20 minutes to your water change chores. Better yet seems to be a sump, but that's obviously more complex in other ways.
Look forward to your thoughts!
Can anyone detail the proper canister filter maintenance? I've got dual Fluval 406 filters on my 90G planted tank. I've forced myself into the habit of cleaning each filter once every two or three weeks (I never do both at once), but I'm not sure if I'm missing something.
Here's my process:
-Empty tank water into buckets
-Disassemble canister
-Take out each compartment of filter media (biomax, sponges, water polishers) and rinse them around in the buckets of tank water
-For sponges/polishers, I simply hand scrub them in the tank water to get debris off of them. I don't scrub them too much because I do not want to damage by my BB.
My main area of concern is regarding the sponge cleaning. What is appropriate here? How much scrubbing is too much? The polishers in particular look pretty brown because in the beginning they were neglected, but that is more of a stain than a clog -- they are pretty clean now that I have stepped up my maintenance.
Other question:
- I do not remove the intake/output hoses and clean the insides. Am I supposed to? If so, how do you all do that? The filter flow seems fine, btw, so I don't think they are clogged or anything.
Final thought & advice to others:
- I am happy with my canisters, but for those out there who don't like to keep up on maintenance a good set of HOB filters is probably easier/quicker to clean without making a mess or adding 15-20 minutes to your water change chores. Better yet seems to be a sump, but that's obviously more complex in other ways.
Look forward to your thoughts!