Hi
Im running a fluval 3 plus in my tank and the filter pads have realy seen better days as they can block up realy quick . I want to replace the pads so whats the best way of going round it.

thanks Tom

hi, there.
Welcome to OFL.
Now call me stupid, but what is your exact question?
How to perform the change, or what to change the pads with?
I use the blue filter fiber cotton, like nylon spaghetti.
I can regulate the flow of the water by the amount of floss i put in my (pre) filter.
I also use different size of foam pads, with different flow rates.
If i answered the wrong question , I'll get back to you with a better answer

The best way to change them is to remove the old, and replace with new.. LOL....

Now seriously, I would change one at a time.

As Nickisue said, if you have only one filter running, and clean and change all the filter media you may damage you Bio filter causing an ammonia spike. If you have just the one filter, I would change half of media at a time. Also if you want to rinse off other parts of the filter don't use regular tap water as the clorine will kill off good bacteria as well.
Have fun..

Maybe i should of wrote the question better but some have the idea

So yes the filter has two foam pads so ill change one at a time but...

How long shall i leave it before changing the second?
As it only has two white foam pads shall i put any different ones in there?

you can use the white foam again if you want to. I would wait two weeks between changing pads....JMO

Ok Cheers

i am not sure but i believe fluvial3+ has 3 cartridges filter. please check.
there should be a pre-filter fiber that say "do not remove" but actually
you can..and clean it in tank water; a foam cartridge, and a ceramic rings
cartridge. you can clean any of them one at a time, 1 week interval.

There is like a fibre thing between the two foam pads as it splits apart. dunno what it is tho