I am new to canister filters. Have always used a HOB. Short of pump failure, how do you know that the filter is clogged? Hopefully, I am not missing the obvious. Thanks.
Canister Filter - How do you know it is clogged?
- Thread starter drdud
- Start date
SunSun 303B w/UV light. 1400 LPH (370 GPH) with 3 media baskets and a 9 watt UV light. It is on a standard 55-gal tank.
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
True a noticeable drop in flow is the most likely and common indicator, not always easy to see if your outflow is well be low the water line. On canisters with strong head pressure pumps impellers like the FX5, air bubbles will discharge on occasion or when turned off then on because the pump restricted flow of water will start pulling air out of solution and you start to see the bubbles air air builds in the top of the canister. On the Magnum 350 which is clear you will see it build. The best way though is to know your canister based on your feeding habits which is one of the main causes (over-feeding) of filters quickly getting dirty. My large canister filters usually last 4 to 5 months.
I guess the answer is to be patient for about a month and tear it down to see. Unfortunately, patience is not one of top attributes.
One of the nice things about canisters is they do not need a lot of maintenance.You could easily let it go for 3 or 4 months before you open it. Unless you are really overstocked,or see the outflow decrease a lot,I would not worry about it until the first of the year.
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
Oh one other way for those that maintain there outflow underwater is to get used to the difference of how a clean filter outflow against your fingers feel underwater feel strong, then you will know when you check on it. Also for very silent filters like my FX5 and Sunsun I awlats have a piece of fake or live vegitation near the outflow so I can see it flag-wave whenever I check to see all is working. Its an easy way to know or remind you that you forgot to turn your filter back on after feeding :22_yikes:
BettaFishMommy
finkids make me happy :-)
agreed! i'm always sticking my hand in front of my rena xp outputs to make sure the flow is still strong. it may take a little while to 'mind meld', lol, with your canister but once you get the hang of it you'll know exactly when the flow is decreased.
Once my fish are able to get near the output of my filter, i know that it is time to clean the filter.