Clearning an Eheim External Cannister Filter

[raeburter]

Hey all,

I have a Eheim Cannister filter for my CRS tank, with a single plant. I am using a mesh guard on the filter inlet as well. I read that I should clean my filter once every 3 months and less often if I am using the mesh guard. However, I am unsure of how to clean the filter. I am worried about not taking proper precautions and end up killing the beneficial bacteria in my filter. May I know the proper steps to take in cleaning a cannister filter?

Thanks all!

[Urban Aquaria]

Here is a basic canister filter cleaning process:

1. Do it during water change time, fill a bucket with old tank water.
2. Disconnect the canister filter from the hoses and pipes, make sure the taps are closed (or pipes removed from tank) before disconnecting it.
3. Open the canister and take out the coarse sponge and media trays, shake/swish them in the bucket of old tank water to dislodge debris and waste material.
4. Check for shrimps and shrimplets in the canister water.
5. Check the fine filter wool, if its very dark or black, then change it to a fresh new one.
6. Use a long flexible pipe brush and do a pull through on the hoses and pipes, as well as through the inflow/outflow ports of the filter, try to unclog as much of the dirt buildup as possible.
7. Open the impeller housing and clean the impeller and various parts with a brush.
8. Assemble everything back together and then connect it to your tank, prime it and resume operation.

Hope that helps.

[raeburter]

Here is a basic canister filter cleaning process:

1. Do it during water change time, fill a bucket with old tank water.
2. Disconnect the canister filter from the hoses and pipes, make sure the taps are closed (or pipes removed from tank) before disconnecting it.
3. Open the canister and take out the coarse sponge and media trays, shake/swish them in the bucket of old tank water to dislodge debris and waste material.
4. Check for shrimps and shrimplets in the canister water.
5. Check the fine filter wool, if its very dark or black, then change it to a fresh new one.
6. Use a long flexible pipe brush and do a pull through on the hoses and pipes, as well as through the inflow/outflow ports of the filter, try to unclog as much of the dirt buildup as possible.
7. Open the impeller housing and clean the impeller and various parts with a brush.
8. Assemble everything back together and then connect it to your tank, prime it and resume operation.

Hope that helps.

Thanks so much!