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.
