How do I clean my filter?

Question

Do i have to clean my filter? I cleaned it today and it was such a hassle. I had to take apart everything of the filter and clean everything inside with a q-tip. There was a lot of black mush and green stuff. Also, do i have to buy the new wheel thing each time i clean? I couldn't clean the wheel thing efficiently.

Answer 1

what kind of filter, for car, it needs once a month

for air conditionar the same

if its some kind of filter for kitchen appliences, try to clean it every two weeks

Answer 2

Now when you say filter? What ever do you mean?

Answer 3

Yes u do have to clean your fish tanks filter btw what fish do u keep coz it really depends on what type of fish u have if u have a goldfish or an oscar u will have to clean ur tank more often than say a shoal of neon's

Answer 4

i do not recommend cleaning that filter "squeaky" clean. the muk ur finding inside could be beneficial bacteria your fish tank needs for biological filtration which is the most important of the 3 stages. and that "wheel thingy" (i assume u mean bio-wheel) no u do not need to buy or change them unless absolutely necessary. your bio-wheel house many beneficial bacteria and each time u replace that, or clean your filter squeaky clean, you'd almost be like starting off brand new again (which is not good cuz that means u have to cycle ur tank again and the process might kill #'s of fishes). the only thing i would clean in the filter is replace the filter foam pads, and floss pads. everything else just give it a good rinse USING UR TANK WATER! running the filter media under regular tap will kill beneficial bacteria as well. good luck.