Filter cleaning

[fit101]

I have a 46 gal freshwater tank.Should I break down my filter and clean it or just give it a rinse now an then? I do a water change weekly shoul I also rinse the filter? Thanks!

 

[scuba dude]

Probably depends on what you have for a filter and how you are stocked.

I run a canisters on my 90 gallon freshwater and alternate filters when I clean them. I do one every 2 weeks and switch between the two when cleaning so it works out to each filter gets cleaned once a month. This way I always have beneficial bacteria in one filter.

 

[Lepomis]

In most established aquariums the filter cleaning and destruction of beneficial bacteria concerns are of little to no risk. I have done it several different ways over the years but typically just rinse the filter off in tank water and replace. I have also just rinsed under tap water and used and never experienced any noticeable negative effects. Rarely is a deep cleaning needed.

 

[fit101]

Thank you both for the help!