How to clean a new to you filter?

[jackiomy]

Someone gave me a Fluval 305 a couple of weeks ago. He had used it for 3 months and decided it was too much work. I didn't realize it still had water and all the media still in it. I have no idea about this guys tanks so am worried that there might be something in the filter that might harm my fish. Can I clean it with bleach? I am moving the media from my 204 and putting in new media. Can I clean the impeller housing with bleach also?

[snoopy65]

I would clean it with bleach and rinse it very well. You could also dose it with prime after just to make sure.

[jackiomy]

That's what I will do then. Thanks Snoopy!

[BettaFishMommy]

i would just go get new media. sure, you spend a few bucks, but you are rest assured that it's safe and free of residues. or better yet, use one of the many diy ideas here on AC to custom cut/fit media to the filter.

i would think that some media wouldn't be the safest to bleach and reuse, such as biomax. wouldn't the bleach be absorbed too well into the media and possibly not be removed well enough, even with Prime?

[jackiomy]

Oh, I threw away the media. I am just going to transfer the media from my smaller Fluval that is running in the tank now to the larger one. They use the same size sponges and I have new boimax to add to the old.

[BettaFishMommy]

i always toss old media when i get a filter from somebody. i always have extra biomax and filter floss laying around, so the only new thing i ever buy is sponge (custom cutting sponge is a pita! lol)

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

i just mix a bleach solution in a bucket hang the filter tubes in it and let it run for a while cleans the filter and hoses in 1 easy step then rinse well and add your media

[SMinNC]

:iagree:
Like he said!