First full filter clean... when?

[F1 VET]

Perhaps there is another area better suited for this post... but to me this site is basically "monster bass keepers".

Had my tank up and running since mid October last year. Things have been going better than excellent, considering before diving into bass / stingrays I hadn't kept fish. I run 2 Eheim 2217's alongside an FX5 24/7.

I am guessing the time for a filter clean must be close? just chasing tips and tricks... was guessing I should start with a full clean of only 1 filter (with tank water)? just after advice.

Thanks, James.

edit - all filters new out of box since mid October 2011

Well fx5 doesnt run 24 hours/day, they actually shutdown for a few mins and purge the air inside, if any.

Have you tried using the valve on the bottom to get rid of the crap on the bottom? If done every week it should help a little and your fx5 can pump water when doing wc making it VERY EASY!

id say 1-2months depending on bio load and bio media abundance. ImE filling it w/ a gal of ceramic AND, siphoning debris and vacing coupled w/ NO OVERFEEDING may contribute to your lazyness!






Lol totally kidding haha.


Or if you really want to stall cleaning intervals try using a pre filter, buy an ac70 sponge, cut in half (or to preference) and attach to siphon. It may cut your gph but atleast it saves time and well time is money!

GL

#1 S. Vettel

 

[Bassrutten]

Thanks heaps for all the replies. I will begin the filter cleaning starting with 1 this weekend... then keep it up on a more regular basis. If the fish are happy now, should only get better!.

I was just going to rinse all the media in tank water.... then yeah that was my only plan. Appreciate all the advice and tips!

I will begin with 1 filter this weekend and continue monthly from there.

Cheers

 

[gangster]

Thanks heaps for all the replies. I will begin the filter cleaning starting with 1 this weekend... then keep it up on a more regular basis. If the fish are happy now, should only get better!.

I was just going to rinse all the media in tank water.... then yeah that was my only plan. Appreciate all the advice and tips!

I will begin with 1 filter this weekend and continue monthly from there.

Cheers

Thats all you need to do...Pull out the baskets and rinse the media w/ tank water. I bet you'll be suprised at how dirty they are. I bet your fish will be stoked! Take some pics for us a couple days after to show how excited they are. Make sure you enjoy yourself while cleaning your tank/filters