Cleaning The Actual Mechanical Filter???

How often should I be taking my entire filter out and taking it apart to clean it? I always swish the filter media in tank water but very seldom clean the entire filter. Is that needed and if so, how often?

 

What type of filter?

 

I would think on an as-needed basis. I have some HOB's (guessing that is what you have?) and I do take them out every 6 months and inspect the impeller and service if necessary. I do get some calcium build-up after around 6 months that is pretty ugly, so that's the time I do it. Your mileage may vary!

 

Well, I have 3 tanks. One is a Aqua Clear 70, A Marineland Penguin 350, and the small one has an Aqua Tech 40. All HOB's.

 

I would think on an as-needed basis. I have some HOB's (guessing that is what you have?) and I do take them out every 6 months and inspect the impeller and service if necessary. I do get some calcium build-up after around 6 months that is pretty ugly, so that's the time I do it. Your mileage may vary!

I love that mileage part! Mine are HOB's also and I do clean them about every 6 months. One of my goldies got cloudy eye and I can't figure out how because I clean my tanks weekly. I was thinking maybe it was something in the filter. Thanks so much.

 

I do mine about every once a month, but I get a lot of plant parts wrapped up around the impeller.

 

With my hob's ( Aqua-clear) I replace the filter floss once a week, with water changes. I take them apart once a month to clean the impeller. I clean my canister and hoses once every 4 months.