CanisterFilter Maintenance Question

[Meesh]

How often should the media be rinsed? I set up a 55 gallon tank about two months ago. I check the water weekly and water parameters are good. I do a 10% water change and vacuum the substrate weekly.

LFS says okay to go another month. So is maintenance simply rinsing out the media every few months?

It's a Forza 7. Very quiet, keeps the tank nice and clear.

[thegundog]

I use API Filstars and clean them once a month... many keepers do go longer, that's just me.

You'll get a lot of varying opinion on this question.

A 10% water change seems small, I normally do 30% - 50%

Besides the media, I usually rinse out the canister and clean around the impeller as well. Make sure to clean everything in old tank water OR treated tap water in a bucket - don't clean anything under tap water that has not been treated or you will harm your beneficial bacteria.

Never heard of a Forza 7, I'll have to check it out - glad it is working well for you and your fishes!

Good question

[Meesh]

Thanks for tip. I know about rinsing the media and cleaning parts in tank or treated water. The guy at my LFS has been pretty good for a knowledge source, just wondering about frequency. I'll tackle it after the holiday.

As long as water quality is good, at 0 ppm across the board, I think I'll stick with the 10% weekly changes. It's just easier to do regularly. But I keep a good eye on the water quality and if anything starts rising I can do a bigger change.

Modest population and everyone is young and small. School of seven Zebra Danios, three Clown Loaches, a Betta and new addition, a Mystery Snail. Hoping he doesn't get eaten by the Clown Loaches when they get bigger, but I'm restarting an old 20 gallon tank I can eventually move him to if they start paying any attention to him. So far it's been peaceful in there.

[thegundog]

Sounds like you are in good shape with a light bio load and are consistent in your approach and monitoring, you should find great success and joy in this hobby....

[Meesh]

Thanks. I really am enjoying it.

[thegundog]

That is nice!!!! Gravel, wood, live plants, rocks with holes for cover and spawning - your tank looks great Meesh!

[Meesh]

Thanks!!!

[Pat N]

Your tank looks great, 10% weekly is fine. If you aren't an overfeeder you won't have to change the filter for about 2 months. You should rinse the sponges and change the carbon.

[Meesh]

😉 awesome

[IllusionX]

I usually clean my canister once a month. All media gets old tank water rinse, but fine filter pads either gets replaced or rinsed under tap.

[jessipanda]

I also rinse my canister media once a month. Just the sponges though. I don't use carbon. I only rinse my bioballs if it looks like they need it, maybe twice a year when I replace my sponges.

You said you have 0ppm across the board...is that including nitrates?

Tank looks wonderful! You must have a fantastic LFS. I like mine, but they're not nearly as helpful...seem to focus a bit too much on sales of unnecessary stuff.