New to externals so I have a question

[GrubbyGirl]

If I have a sponge over my inlet stopping all the big crud getting into the filter - how often should I then be cleaning out the filter itself?

Angela

 

[scatz]

it depends on the filter and the load its taking really, if it wasn't for having so many juvi fish growing on in my big tank, i probably wouldn't have to touch the filters for 6 months or so, just go by the flow, if its getting restricted, give it a clean

 

[GrubbyGirl]

It's just keeping 6 zebras and 5 ottos, and I vacuum up left over food and poop every day. Sounds like I don't need to worry for a good while yet!

 

[Irene0100]

should be fine for a few months, just keep an eye on the water flow as scatz says, then clean when flow is slower (but dont clean too well, leave some bacteria in it!)

 

[macvsog23]

I very rarly strip and clean a eheim filter as they are working at a Bio level, I would expect very little rubish in them .
As stated the load on the tank is the key.

Regards Bob

 

[matubula]

If you were to use a sponge, use a coarse one. I had a fairly fine sponge on my eheim 2329 (I broke the strainer needed a standby)and after a few days it got too clogged and starved the filter.

 

[macvsog23]

Eheim do a sponge for the wet and dry filters
I myself use the "air" filter sponge and fittings

Some links

http://www.aquaristikshop.com/cgi-bin/neu/webshop.pl?f=*NR&c=261527&t=temartic_e&userid=JH8Exb1cHyBsInubLao094WRyrqFJ9sA7Wn

http://www.aquaristikshop.com/cgi-bin/neu/webshop.pl?t=e_400300&userid=JH8Exb1cHyBsInubLao094WRyrqFJ9sA7Wn

It is not hard to use the "air" filter adaptor but as the sponges are very fine a course sponge can be fitted.

Any one want a photo of how I do it just send me a PM

 

[macvsog23]

This is also the solution.
http://www.aquaristikshop.com/cgi-bin/neu/webshop.pl?t=e_400462&userid=JH8Exb1cHyBsInubLao094WRyrqFJ9sA7Wn

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
If you want an alternative to the Eheim ones, I use coarse ppi10 or ppi20 from TA Aquaculture <http://www.ta-aquaculture.co.uk/Filter_sponges.htm>, or the 12" x 4" x 4" drilled blocks like this from "Kettering Koi" <http://www.ketteringkoi.com/acatalog/Filter_Foam_Blocks.html>.

Another possibility is the coarse dimpled foam sheets, just cut to size and roll into 2 layers (dimples out), these are very flexible. I used to just tie them on with cable ties, but the last couple I've sewed up with some nylon thread, a neater job and it only takes a couple of minutes.
<http://www.ketteringkoi.com/acatalog/Filter_Foam_Sheets.html> probably cheaper on Ebay.

cheers Darrel

 

[timkel]

Hmm just up the road from me,will have to check them out.

 

[macvsog23]

Hi all,
If you want an alternative to the Eheim ones,

A alternative to Eheim???

I have to take some medication now.

A alternative to Eheim ?? I am going to rest and regain my composure