How and when to service a canister filter???

[Hholly]

Hi all, I'm a canister newbie. Just wondering how often I need to clean my Fluval 406? And what exactly do I do to clean it? It is on a 55 gal, under stocked tank, with old media from a HOB in one of the trays. Thanks!

 

[Andrew McFadden]

It will go longer than a hob filter without being cleaned. Many people here will say to let them go till the water flow starts to slow way down. The problem with that is the nitrate buildup over time, so a good rinse every 2-3 weeks would be better then letting it go like 4-5 weeks. I'm not familiar with this actual filter nor your tank so its harder for me to say how long it can really go. But again a good maintenance schedule will go a long way like with all filters or aquariums.

 

[Hholly]

So, I just remove each tray and rinse the stuff in it?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

So, I just remove each tray and rinse the stuff in it?

Yep in old tank water I tend to break mine up like do half now and half later for a less chance of an mini cycle.

 

[Hholly]

Great! Thanks so much!

 

[Andrew McFadden]

No problem