filter cleaning

Dark Phoenix <dark_phoenix.RemoveThis@netw.com> wrote in message
news:mnGdnQXKoKfrUKyiRTvUpQ@povn.com...
> In the last few days I've read a couple of times that cleaning the filter
> with tap water kills all the good bio-bugs. Is this true of any water
(say,
> untreated well water), or just chlorinated water? Once and a while I give
> the filter a quick rinse to get the yeech off the back, but our water is
> totally untreated. If you can't rinse it off, how *do* you get the yuck
off?
> (I'm speaking of stuff like uneaten flake food)
> thanks,
> Laurie
>
>

If untreated and safe to drink then that would be fine.
You don't say how often the flake food plugs the system. I might suggest
cutting back on the food, or switching to pellets which don't break down as
much. I could also suggest turning off the filter for the 5-10 minutes
needed for the fish to eat, but there is a very real chance that one might
forget to restart the filter.
As one of my hobbyist friends says, "No fat filter is ever going to win a
prize".

Jim
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"Jim Brown" <j.brown DeleteThis @sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:Y%sYa.4134$_a4.742506@news20.bellglobal.com...
> If untreated and safe to drink then that would be fine.
> You don't say how often the flake food plugs the system. I might suggest
> cutting back on the food, or switching to pellets which don't break down
as
> much. I could also suggest turning off the filter for the 5-10 minutes
> needed for the fish to eat, but there is a very real chance that one might
> forget to restart the filter.
> As one of my hobbyist friends says, "No fat filter is ever going to win a
> prize".
>
> Jim

I only have to rinse it off every other week or every 3 weeks or so, which I
assume isn't often. And I try not to rinse it on water change days. (which
is 3 times a week) I also have to check it after I notice a particularly
vigorous plant savaging episode, since anacharis leaves get in it. They do
that in fits and starts.

Our well water tests totally pure, so we put nothing in it. (we are spoiled,
I know- we go into town and get a drink and about gag!)

Thanks, everyone!
Laurie
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