Is it time for a filter cleaning?

[Komodo]

I started a new aquarium November 30, 2014.
I added eighteen Cichlids seven weeks ago.
My aquarium has been fully cycled for four weeks.
I have two filters, Fluval 406 and a five foot topside filter.
I make a 50% water changes every week.
100 gallon tank.

When do I do my first filter cleaning and at what frequently after that?

 

[Caliban07]

I started a new aquarium November 30, 2014.

I added eighteen Cichlids seven weeks ago.

My aquarium has been fully cycled for four weeks.

I have two filters, Fluval 406 and a five foot topside filter.

I make a 50% water changes every week.

100 gallon tank.



When do I do my first filter cleaning and at what frequently after that?

There is no set rule for filter maintenance. Your setup is unique to you and will not be the same for any one else. Crack open your canister and clean it now. See how dirty it is. Clean it again in one month and see how dirty it is. If it's still filthy you need to clean it more often. You will then get a feel for when the right time is to clean the filters.

Filters collect waste, they do not remove it so they need to be cleaned regularly to maintain efficiency and to help with the nitrate battle.

Today I cleaned my canister after about four weeks and it was a little filthy but I recently did a re-scape which through up a lot of crud.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice