how to properly clean a filter???

[nick]

from readin a few websites and gathering info, i think i am washing my filter the wrong way......i take it out of my tank, take it to the sink and wash all the bits and pieces out, but from listening to other peoples posts, about bacteria and that, i think i am washing it all away and prettymuch starting over, if this is the case, how do i wash it without getting rid of all the good bacteria in my filter??? any help would be great.

thnx,
nick

[CQ_Pete]

Syphon your tank water into a tub or bucket when you do a water change. clean your filter using this water.

Washing the filter under the tap (which is chlorinated water) kills the bacteria (chlorine kills the bacteria).

[CQ_Pete]

I forgot to add, pour the water onto your plants as it is one of the best liquid fertilizers going!!

[GTR73]

Don't use tap water as it has chlorine in it that kills the bacteria colonies. Better to siphon some tank water into a bucket and use that to clean filter gear. Also try not to be too thorough as this will also wipe out too much bacteria. Just a general rinse will do the job.  :wink:

[nick]

ok, thnx guys, i will do that, i thought i might have been doing it wrong...
thnx for the info

nick

[GTR73]

I actually did the clean-under-the-tap trick for years until it was made known to me.  :D

[nick]

yeah, im a bacteria murderer, lol, i cant get motivated to clean my tank......lol