Canister Maintenance

[MrHarris]

I just purchased my first canister filter (been using power filters). I have a Fluval FX5 and was wondering how often should I be cleaning and changing out the filter pads. Also the media for the baskets, should I be stuffing it full or would that impede the water flow?

 

[WyldFya]

Don't stuff your baskets too full, that will slow flow too much, and cause more clogging.

 

[rrcoolj]

I actually would like to know the same thing. I just got my canister rena filstar xp2 on my 55. I've never used canister filters before and I also want to know when and how often should I "clean" it?

 

[Fry]

i only clean my canisters when the flow is obviously weak

 

[VLDesign]

I use 2 Eheim 2260s on my 300 gallon and I only look at them maybe twice a year.

 

[WyldFya]

I use 2 Eheim 2260s on my 300 gallon and I only look at them maybe twice a year.

Unfortunately your advice refers to a filter that is a far stronger filter. My 2262 can go a year easy without a cleaning. Gotta love eheim.

To answer your earlier question, it is ideal to clean the media when you start to notice a drop off in flow rate.