How to clean Eheim internal filter 2010?

[inquisitivemind]

Hi guys. Just wondering on how to clean the aforementioned filter without breaking the delicate bacteria ecosystem present.

One more thing, is it advisable to change the filter medium once in a while? Must the filter medium be like "cycled" or can it be just purchased off the shelf?

[stormhawk]

Pull out the green section and top cover, take out the sponge and rinse in tank water or tap water quickly. All you need to do is to unclog the sponge, not thoroughly clean it. It is not necessary to change the filter medium, unless it has broken down or is extremely clogged.

[Fuzzy]

I wouldn't recommend washing filter medium in tap water even if its treated with antichlorine.

Tank water is the best way to go, remove some to a bucket during your water change then slosh the filter pad around in the bucket until its unclogged and put it back into the filter.

Also do note you don't need or necessarily want to wash the filter too thoroughly either, just wash it enough that it restores any loss of flow rate, and so it won't release too much debris into the tank.