How To Clean a Hanging Power Filter

Here's How:

1. Have fresh filtration media, a small pitcher, and a bucket on hand before starting.
2. Place about two quarts of tank water in a small picture and set aside.
3. Turn the filter off and unplug the cord from the electrical outlet.
4. Gently lift the filter off the aquarium and place in a clean bucket.
5. Remove the sponge insert. If it is disposable, discard it and skip to step nine.
6. If the sponge insert is refillable, discard the filtration media inside it.
7. Place part of the tank water in a small bowl and gently rinse the sponge in it.
8. Refill the washed sponge insert with fresh media, close and set aside.
9. Remove any algae or lime deposits from the filter housing, and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
10. Rinse the new or refilled sponge insert using the pitcher of tank water.
11. Place the rinsed sponge insert in the filter housing.
12. Hang the filter back on the aquarium.
13. Using a small cup partially fill the filter with tank water, then replace the cover.
14. Plug the filter in and turn it on. Voila! Clean filter.

Tips:

1. If you use refillable inserts, be sure to seal the container of filtration media very tightly after each use.
2. It's a myth that you should never replace the filter insert. Dirty filters that can no longer be cleaned thoroughly are unhealthy.