• For sponge filters: ​​

  • Turn off the filter

  • Gently place your filter in a plastic bag underneath the water to catch any unwanted debris and lift it out of the aquarium 

  • Remove the sponge from the filter and gently rinse and squeeze the sponge in discarded aquarium water 

  • Do not use soap or too much force 

  • Place the sponge back onto the filter and securely place back into your aquarium 

  • Turn on the filter and adjust

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• For Hang On Back filters:

  • Turn off the filter ​

  • Remove media from inside the filter 

  • Media with larger PPI (smaller holes, more dense) will need to be replaced more often (weekly) 

  • Media with smaller PPI (larger holes, less dense) can be rinsed in discarded aquarium water and placed back into the filter 

    • This media is where good bacteria will grow to help in the nitrogen cycle ​- that's why you want to keep it!

  • Replace and return media back into filter 

  • Turn filter back on - you might need to pour some aquarium water into the base of the HOB filter to help it start up again  

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• For Canister filters:

  • Turn off the filter ​

  • Check the outflow tube for water and turn off the valves (turn them perpendicular to the tubing) 

  • Gradually turn the locking nut off of the threaded pipe until it comes loose

  • Open the top of the canister 

  • Take out the middle column 

  • Discard any water inside the canister and remove all media 

  • Scrub down the media containers and gentle rinse the media 

  • Return the media back to each container and return the middle column into the canister 

  • Reassemble 

  • Turn the valves back to the on position

    • The canister won’t fill back up on its own so lift the front locking bracket up and the canister will then begin to fill up 

    • Make sure to watch the water level - as soon as it hits the motor housing, lock the bracket back in place

  • Turn filter back on 

  • Prime the filter by using the top priming button a few times

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