Eheim canister filters

Eheim recommend replacing the fine pad every 2 weeks, the coarser one every month.

That's a bit over the top, where did you read that?

I change my fine pad every 2-3 months when I clean the filter, certainly wouldn't suggest anyone opens it up every two weeks.
 
The instruction booklet that came with my 2026 :)

I think you have misread the instruction book, there is no recommended cleaning interval. The paragraph where you read 2 weeks refers to the active carbon pad if used. It does say that the white pad should be used only once and the blue should be changed every 2-3 times, but no time interval is given.

Personally I only clean my filter when the flow rate drops noticeably which is usually every 2-3 months. I renew the white pad but just clean the blue in tank water, there is no point in changing the blue one unless it starts to fall apart.
 
I think you have misread the instruction book.

I don't have it with so I can't check right now. It is definitely possible that my memory does not work properly...

In any case, my service plan is similar to what you described - clean every 2-3 months, replace white filter then.
 
AquariaCentral.com