Cleaning New Filter

[MarineEddy]

Hi guys,
I went ahead and brought a second hand Fluval 405 for a reef tank I plan on setting up. When I got it home and opened it all up I found it had quite a bit of dirt inside it. What is the best way to clean it? Also it contains all four levels of ceramic rings, is this ok or should I replace them? Should I get a all new media?
Thanks in advance, Eddy

 

[Slade]

Try vinegar & water. You might need to let it soak for salt/calcium stains. Just rinse it out multiple times before using it. Ceramic rings are ok for biological, I would put either some pot scrubbies and/or bonded padding for mechanical where the water first enters (usually the bottom). Get a filter brush & clean out the hoses as well.
Clean any gunk from the impeller, and put some vaseline on any rubber gaskets when reassembling.