I just received a new cannister filter from a friend who had been using it his saltwater tank, and then had it stored in a garage for a while. Needless to say it's pretty dirty, and even if it weren't dirty just from sitting, I would like to use it in my freshwater tank and am a little hesistant. WHat is the best way to clean all the parts? I kind of wondering about running it through the dishwasher without any soap or anything just to get all the junk off of it. Any thoughts? Thanks
Cleaning
- Thread starter dewilde2
- Start date
if it'll take the heat, then running it through the dishwasher (without the motor head of course) is a great idea.
reusing media
So I am in the process of reading up on cannister filters- never used one before- but it does already have some of what I believe are the ceramic balls used for filtration in the bottom compartment (this is a Fluval 303). Should I throw them away or reuse them? I have no idea how old they are, how long it's been since they were used, etc.
So I am in the process of reading up on cannister filters- never used one before- but it does already have some of what I believe are the ceramic balls used for filtration in the bottom compartment (this is a Fluval 303). Should I throw them away or reuse them? I have no idea how old they are, how long it's been since they were used, etc.
I'd throw away the media. No telling how old they are, and media is cheap so I personally feel better if I start new with those.
When putting it through the dishwasher, make sure there is no Jet Dry or other stuff like that. That stuff will harm fishies.
When putting it through the dishwasher, make sure there is no Jet Dry or other stuff like that. That stuff will harm fishies.
Personally, I wouldn't put anything tank related in the dishwasher. Most detergents nave an anti-waterspot agent. Its job is to coat things. It will stick to the inside of the dishwasher. And it's water soluble. So when you run the dishwasher with no soap, you still have the chemicals that are coating the inside getting dissolved and thrown around.
Besides, temps get pretty extreme in there, all it would take would be for the cannister to get a little warped and it will leak.
To me, not worth the risk.
Besides, temps get pretty extreme in there, all it would take would be for the cannister to get a little warped and it will leak.
To me, not worth the risk.
plah831 said:
I'd disagree with this... we tell all kinds of folks to never clean a tank with soap. To use ONLY bleach, and even then to rinse like crazy and triple-dose with dechlor. If soap is bad... well dishwasher detergent is so caustic and harsh, it makes straight Dawn look like distilled water in comparison.
I'd go with a dip/scrub in some 20:1 diluted bleach solution, and then LOTS of rinsing.
And yes, chuck all the existing media.
SirWired
SirWired, I have to agree with you there. I just have waaaay to much respect for liv2padl to go against his advice! 
I think once a rinse agent like Jet Dry gets in the machine, it would take several cycles of the dispenser empty before all the residue is gone.
Dilute bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide are my usual weapons of choice to clean/disinfect fishy equipment.
I think once a rinse agent like Jet Dry gets in the machine, it would take several cycles of the dispenser empty before all the residue is gone.
Dilute bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide are my usual weapons of choice to clean/disinfect fishy equipment.