i havent cleaned my filters since june. lol but hey, my tank is still crystal clear. so yeah. but the last time i cleaned my filter it started a mini cylce... so yea.
there is NO need to clean your filters (HOB, canister, sump) untill the water flow is restricted..
some of my filters get cleaned weekly.. some of them only get cleaned once or twice a year and even then its because i just feel the need to do it.. not because it needs to be done..
yea in the intake tube there is a bunch of stuff that looks like a thick spider web i guess ill do a cleaning. ill try to take some pics to post. i have an oscar so it might be a lill gross...