View Full Version : Best way to clean a canister filter?
stratusfearrr
10-31-2009, 1:09 PM
I'm planning on selling my fluval 305 canister filter on the classifieds here soon, and i was wondering,
Whats the best way to clean out my canister, so the next owner gets a nice clean one. It was only used for about two months, so its in great shape. I've heard about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or using vinegar.
So what do you guys/gals reccomend?
toddnbecka
10-31-2009, 1:15 PM
After only being used that long it shouldn't need much cleaning. I'd just take everything apart and allow it to dry thoroughly.
stratusfearrr
10-31-2009, 3:21 PM
ttt
Bubbles2112
10-31-2009, 4:14 PM
Just hit it with a brush and some warm water. Shouldn't be to dirty after such a short length of time. I commend you for wanting a clean unit to sell!
jm1212
10-31-2009, 4:30 PM
ask them if they want you to clean it...if they are putting it on a brand new tank it could spare them cycling. as long as your tanks are disease-free and clean, you'd be doing them a service by giving them the bacteria.
nc0gnet0
10-31-2009, 4:53 PM
bleach, rinse, then cycle with water and ST.
Bubbles2112
10-31-2009, 5:01 PM
...you'd be doing them a service by giving them the bacteria.
Any beneficial bacteria would be dead after the time it takes for mailing. I think its like 24-hours that they can live without a food source.
jm1212
10-31-2009, 5:53 PM
didnt know that it was being mailed, as it is never mentioned in the OP...
stratusfearrr
10-31-2009, 10:45 PM
no one has bought it yet, cuz it hasnt been placed on the classifieds. So i should wait and ask the buyer, if there is one?
I'd wait for a buyers reply. If it were me buying, I would want to do the cleaning myself.
stratusfearrr
11-04-2009, 10:37 PM
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210263
Theres the link to the sale thread if anyone was curious
CWO4GUNNER
11-05-2009, 1:14 AM
I think the average going rate on ebay is shipping plus $35 to $60. I bought two 405's on eaby this year, one for $65 shipped and another for $45 shipped. Both clean and working great. I think Cali-Rod has gotten better deals then that on a host of used Fluval canister filters.
adambrown81
11-05-2009, 1:51 AM
Hello
Well all you have to do is take out the trays inside the filter and wash the media down; but be careful to use water from the tank or chlorine-free water to wash the media (carbon, sponges, and ceramics) so as not to kill any beneficial bacteria that have impregnated those. Also wash the hoses down with pressurized water or use a bottle brush to clean out any scum that have clogged up the hose.
The goal for everything I've enumerated is to keep the flow through the filter good. As long as the water flows well, your filter will do its job well.
Rbishop
11-05-2009, 5:45 AM
The bleach solution is all you need and let it air dry. Bacteria live longer than you think for the most part. For me, even if buying a used filter that came with media, I would toss it and get new, along with cleaning the filter regardless of what the seller had/had not done.