Pulled my AquaPro canister apart for the first clean today, as it’s been going for about 4 weeks so far.

 

Only slight bacteria buildup on the ceramic noodles and bioballs, but the filter pads were absolutely filthy.  I cleaned all of them in tank water and also pulled out the carbon bag as I’m still pissed off at how much powder it’s releasing.  I found the filters distorted very easily when being cleaned, hard not to tear/stretch them.

 

I definitely have much better pump pressure now, but I still doubt it’s hitting the rated mark – I bet that only counts if there’s no head to pump against.  Not too worried, it seems to be doing the job.

 

I did boil the carbon bag and it’s drying in the sun but I think that if I need to put carbon in again I will be getting something much more granular, this crap is just breaking down to powder.  The darkish tint the water had is already clearing, so I suspect it was just particulate carbon.

 

I found a place in Brisbane which does the replacement filters for $3.50 each, so I’ve ordered a full set plus enough bioballs to completely fill the second and third trays.  I decided to get one set of genuine filters so I can make a template, then I’m just going to make my own from doona wadding after I’ve got something to cut to.

 

Also did a full set of water tests before I started changing water etc.  7.6pH 0ppm ammonia and nitrite, 10ppm nitrate – looks good.