Frequency of cleaning Cannister Filter

[nowhereman]

Hi, anyone got any idea for the followings;
1. How frequent one should clean the cannister filter, say for Eheim brand.
2. Must the filter media be used as in the instruction, or one can choose to put whatever he feels right?

Thanks

[dcwk]

I clean my filter every 3 to 4 months.

[nowhereman]

I clean my filter every 3 to 4 months.

Would all the wastes filtered built-up high nitrate level?

[dcwk]

My tank is quite heavily planted, so the plants plus weekly WC will keep nitrate level in check.

Too frequent cleaning of filter may destroy the colonies of BB.

[Salphur]

Yup,
too frequent cleaning of a filter can destroy the beneficial bacteria as well and it is advisable to use the tank's aged water to clean the filter and the medium as chloramine in our fresh tap water will easily destroy much of the bacteria.

Cheers!