Is there anything special you need to do to clean your filtration system?

I use a system that Uses filter cartridges, and a Bio-Wheel. I don't remember the name of it, and I'm to lazy to get the paper out that says it. But there just a tube that sucks up the water, shoots it onto the filter cartridge, and then the filter water runs through the Bio-Wheel.

But my suction tube is building up gunk on the inside, as is the water outlet back into the tank where the good filtered water comes out.

I was just wondering, is there anythign special I need to do to clean this all out?

i have never used bio wheel filters but all filters work on the same principal of having good bacteria that break down the poo. i will cut it short, fish poo and wee produce are ammonia,(bad for fish) this enters your filter directly or indirectly after being broken down. the good bacteria then turns ammonia into nitrites(bad for fish) and then nitrates(nitrates not so bad in small amounts). so you don't want to damage the good bacteria to an extent that it cant do its job. you must leave some in place. the amount you remove is a bit of guess work and comes from practise but as a idea remove just enough to allow a good flow of water again. about one third i would say. this leaves 2 thirds to carry on with its job. only use water from your tank to wash the filter as water from the tap contains chlorine. chlorine will kill all good bacteria. its always better to under clean as the cycle will have less chance of being damaged. alway test your water over the next few days after if you are unsure if the cycle has been damaged.

Thank you. that makes perfect sense. especially since I forgot about the good bacteria part. lol.

Water in my tap is chlorine free though. We have some of the best tap water you could ever drink. it tastes even better than bottled water that you buy. We live right next to a river so we had a well drilled.

in addition to what marcus had just said, filter cleaning
is usually done when you feel that the system is clogged.
if the flow rate at the discharge point remains the same,
i suggest do not bother to clean it.

i only scrape off the build up enough to clear the blockage.....i never clean them completely

Like the other mods have said, never totally clean the filter, you'll lose your good bacteria, only clean as much needs to be cleaned.
a healthy filter is a slimey filter

glens da man !!!!!!!!!