Canister filters clean up

[SLoViper]

Ive been running a fluval 305 and 306 for a month now and only rinsed the foam pads. But now i am wondering if i have to rinse all the media too from time to time?

 

[Terrance]

Yeah rinse in previously used tank water in another vessel (ie bucket). They do buildup a small layer of waste over time.

 

[LyndaB]

The canister housing itself requires rinsing every now and then to get that inevitable brownish gunk off of it. Otherwise, you're constantly recycling that stuff.

I probably do a complete rinse, housing and components) every other month or so. Depends on your bioload and your general tank habits.

 

[don_chuwish]

After being warned about nitrates with canister filters in this forum I rinse things out at least every other PWC. I just take everything out & rinse it in the water left in the canister, then swish that out to get rid of sediment.

- D