caring for cannister filter questions

[klfvilla]

I have a used Fluval 404 filter running on a 90 gallon tank. I've had it running for maybe a month now and I have to admit, I haven't changed / cleaned anything inside of it. I opened it up and looked at it once, and thats it. I assume I need to purchase and change the charcoal and the filter floss? How often? What type should I buy? No extra filter supplies came with the set up so I need to know what to get please. The only experience I have is with little hob filters, which seem so much easier and convenient to me.

[ct-death]

When first setting a filter up (any type) I would sugest waiting ~8 weeks before cleaning the filters, etc. If established, every 4 weeks typically you rinse the filter media in old tnak water to clean off the larger stuff. As for specific changes to your Model...I'm not sure.

[susantroy1]

I agree with CT, However if you are fert. any live plants or medicating, You probably want to remove the char out of it and just run the Floss/bio cylinders. if your ammonia/nitrites levels are not a factor I would dump the Char.

Troy

[severum mama]

I lost the instructions to my Fluval and couldn't remember for sure how to disconnect the hoses, so my cleaning lapsed for quite some time. If you go to the Hagen website you can find instructions for your specific model. It's very intimidating at first, but once you maintain it a little bit you won't think it's a big deal- I promise!:)

As mentioned, when rinsing the media, be sure to do so in a bucket of tank water. Never clean the media in tap water!:) The filter floss and carbon will need to be replaced from time to time (you'll know when they start looking worn out), but the coarse sponges don't need to be replaced until they are falling apart, and I really can't think of any reason you'd have to replace any ceramic rings (bio media), ever.

[klfvilla]

Ok. I think I've got a better idea now, thank you. So every month or when the floss looks really bad? The long sponge looks fine, the ceramic ring things look normal and I did actually rinse the long sponge last time (and in old tank water!). Yes, I do find it very intimidating! In fact, last time I couldn't figure out how to release the hoses so I just undid the side clamps and of course water poured out - very stressful! Now, how do you buy the charcoal and filter floss. Do you buy a Fluval brand or a different brand? A bulk bag? I'll make a trip to Big Al's soon to get some.

[Plecosterone]

You can buy filter floss at Big Als. If you get it at Wal Mart (synthetic pillow stuffing) it is a lot cheaper. If you are going to use carbon, buy good stuff in the containers and use a media bag. I don't even bother using it myself.

[klfvilla]

Thank you Plec - what a wonderful tip! Forget Big Al's, I'm going to Walmart for the pillow stuffing. I know that lots of people don't bother with charcoal, particularly with planted tanks, but with a tank with very minimal planting and no ferts used, doesn't charcoal improve the clarity of the water and remove any fishy odour? I notice improvement in my 10 gallon when I change the little blue charcoal pads.

[severum mama]

You can use carbon if you want to, but it isn't necessary whether your tank is planted or not.:)

[Weezer]

I clean the filters and change out the carbon once a month, the hoses get cleaned every 2 months, carbon will help with odors and help keep the water crystal clear, our water is virtually invisible, some people like water that has some color to it, mater of preference......:)

[Plecosterone]

Just because you don't use carbon doesn't mean your water can't be crystal clear. The water in my tank is as clear as it can be and I never use carbon. It is a matter of preference and does have benefits such as removing meds after treatment but is not necessary for a healthy, crystal clear tank. Especially a heavily planted tank.

[Weezer]

Yes plants can be beneficial for many things, i don't use live plants so carbon is another way to have clean water, many people think they have clear water and when i look at there pics i just shake my head.....:)