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Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 7:43 pm
by Flipside
My canister filter's flow has been dropping lately. Gonna clean it this weekend but not sure if I should replace the media or just rinse it. Running a Fluval 407 on a 75g with a mix of sponges and bio rings. Any tips?
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 8:00 pm
by rodent1
Rinsing the media in tank water is usually enough unless it's falling apart. The bio rings can last years if you're gentle. How often do you usually clean it? I do mine every 3 months on a 55g with similar setup.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 8:10 pm
by Zenix9
Flipside wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 7:43 pm
My canister filter's flow has been dropping lately. Gonna clean it this weekend but not sure if I should replace the media or just rinse it. Running a Fluval 407 on a 75g with a mix of sponges and bio rings. Any tips?
If the sponges are compressed or torn, replace them. Otherwise, just rinse in old tank water. Also check the impeller for gunk, that's a common flow killer.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 9:09 pm
by brooklet
Yep, impeller's sketchy when it gets dirty. I've had to clean mine twice this year already. Also, make sure the hoses aren't clogged with gunk. My 407's hoses were half blocked last time I checked.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 9:48 pm
by honeybuzz
Agree with everyone here. Regular maintenance is key. I'd add that you should check the O-rings too. A dry or cracked O-ring can cause leaks after reassembly. Had that happen once and it was a mess.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 10:25 pm
by Flipside
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll check the impeller and hoses too. Didn't even think about the O-rings.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 11:25 pm
by trio
My canister's been weird lately too. Flow's fine but it's making a rattling noise. Think it's the impeller? Got an Eheim 350 on a 40g breeder.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 11:39 pm
by Zenix9
trio wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 11:25 pm
My canister's been weird lately too. Flow's fine but it's making a rattling noise. Think it's the impeller? Got an Eheim 350 on a 40g breeder.
Probably the impeller shaft or debris stuck in it. Take it apart and clean it. If the noise continues, the impeller might be worn out.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 11:58 pm
by coralflow
I've had my Fluval 307 for 2 years now. Only cleaned it twice. Flow's still strong. Maybe I'm just lucky.
Re: Canister filter maintenance
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 12:20 am
by realtide
Twice in 2 years seems low. You might wanna check it sooner rather than later. Clogs can creep up on you.