filter maintenance

[mariochainsaw]

hello i just wondered how often you would clean out an external filter eheim 2028 and also whats the best way to clean the media ie.bio balls ?
because i think i killed my bio filter last time i cleaned it?

 

[fox3]

How often is a loaded question.

It depends on your stock, bio load and if you are using any other filters mechanical or prefilter.

I service our 2028 about 4 x's a year sometimes 3

I don't use bio balls in the trays but rather substrat pro and efhimech. Just leave 'em in their trays and swish 'em inna bucket of tank water. Works for me.

 

[drdrewr]

Mariochainsaw,

This is just a second opinion, confirming the excellent advice you got from fox3. Make absolutely certain that you heed the part about cleaning your media "in tank water"!!! Do not use fresh water out of the tap (it has chlorine in it -- which will "kill" your bio filter).

And yes. Toss the bio balls and get some "real" media.

 

[Cliff519]

fox3 gave you great advice, that is what I do

 

[mariochainsaw]

ok thanks i have actually substrat pro i just forgot the name of it

 

[drb]

Ditto! You should also lube the primer head and sealing gasket.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Ditto! You should also lube the primer head and sealing gasket.

Is that what you tell all the ladies?

 

[KaiserSousay]

Always cringe a bit when this gets asked.
Too often you will get answers with incredibly long time spans between filter service.
As said, many things come into play as to a cleaning schedule.
Primary reason would be nitrate level.
Seems some are of the opinion that moving waste from the tank into the filter removes the negative effects of that waste. That waste has a direct connection to nitrates.
Your stock will produce waste not only fecal, the ammonia in their urine will feed nitrate levels, and other than certain resin based media, there is not much you can do to filter it out.
The fecal and left over food scraps that get trapped in your filter media will break down and add to your nitrate buildup.
Pretty much agreed that once those levels get into the 40-50ppm range it`s time to get them down.
Water changes and filter service is the preferred method.