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I am running a Eheim 2028 on a 55gal planted tank, I put 2 of those blue and 2 white pads in the canister plus mechs and substrates. Now my qz is how often is it recommanded to clean the filter? And how long can those white pads last?

I am doing weekly 25% water changes.

It all depends on your fish.. plants too if you have any. The white poly floss pads help to "polish" the water and usually can be rinsed out a few times before having to toss, but it's hard to say exactly how long they will last. I've reused some up to three times before they started falling apart. As far as the canister itself, I'd clean out the canister whenever you notice a substantial decrease in flow. Doesn't the Eheim have a built in flow meter? That should give you a good indication.

but if the whole pad turns brown does it mean that it is too dirty? in this stage it still can be rinsed and reuse?

Week End
I have the 2026. Every two months I wash under running tap water the pads. Then I transfer them to the changed tank water. I empty each basket into a large kitchen plastic seiv a small amount at a time and rinse it in the changed tank water. As I complete each lot I place it into more changed tank water.

Next pull out impella and clean, wash out canister, From now on I will be topping up each of the baskets rather than completly new material (Advised by an Eheim Distributer)

Place every thing back, top up with changed water and then add 20ml of a bacterial additive.

Smear a litle silcone grease on the top, so that the rubber seal does not stick. Clip all up, and connect, pump a few times then start it up.

Complete the water change and its all done takes a good hour but I do not hurry.

Keith

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Thanks for the instructions!

[span class="edited"][Edited by Week End 2004-08-14 20:52][/span]

But if you rinse the stuff under tap water, wouldn't that expose the bacteria on it to chlorine and possibly kill them? Or are there parts that don't get treated that way?

Silverlight

I only wash the pads under the tap. This would be no different than replacing them with the new ones. I did say that "Then I transfer them to the changed tank water".
and I also stated "add 20ml of a bacterial additive".
I have had the water checked after the water & filter change and there has never been a problem.

I have just checked re changing filter pads and the general idea is "It depends on how often you clean the canister and the condition of the pads" The top fine pad could be changed over when it is showing signs of wear and tear and not holding its shape.

Next time I will try to fit in two finer pads on the top.
I can buy the suitable and good quality filter material bulk. Note I said "correct" not just the cheepies that are around, as some of these products which are not designed for fish tanks have been treated with a anti bacterial agent and totally unsuitable for the job

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I agree, as the main "home" for those bacteria are the substrates, and the gravel. Hence with new pads or washing the pads isn't a concern at all. Am I correct?