Cleaning the Fluval FX2 after 3 months. The importance of a clean filter!

[@Bob-i9e9i]

Hey Matt - you are a treasure to the KZbin fish-keeping community. And your work with MD is nothing short of great therapy for those of us lucky enough to watch it. If you ever wonder if your work on KZbin matters, remember me saying this: to this fishkeeper, it matters a whole heck of a lot.

[@FishShopMatt]

That is so kind of you and your comment means a lot to me!!!

[@brandhark7935]

@@FishShopMatt This is so kind of him and it's 100% true! I love watching you two and I'm trying to save up money to hopefully meet you guys at Aqaushella Dallas IF you guys decide to go.... :)

[@meglh23]

Agreed! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!

[@lizzyanthus1]

Same here!

[@derekwheelerdealer]

I am that guy that never cleans filters as long as the water is flowing and after watching this I am going to change the filters on my 40 gal and see if there is a big difference. keep them coming

[@mikebury328]

Me to 3 months it’s only just gettin started 😂

[@FishShopMatt]

It varies from tank to tank but I am that person sometimes too.

[@genielewis7659]

That water is fantastic for watering house plants!

[@arturkrol2907]

Dear Matt! I'll be honest - there's always some room for improvement - but as a freshwater aquarium enthusiast with over 30 years of practice and experience, I don't think I could learn much from you. But I don't care about that at all. I "come" here for every new video, without exception - to relax. Every such on the channel - is like a glass of water in the desert. There is no price tag on authenticity. And for someone with great passion, it's hard to imagine a greater pleasure than watching another such a nutter in action. Thank you for this chill out ( it's already accumulated a few hours since the beginning). Take care bud x

[@rechelieu]

Agreed. I am 54 and have been in the hobby since like I was 25 so all this stuff is not new to me. But the way Matt explains is so soothing that I come here for a professional psych session. Pozdrowienia! I assume you are Polish. My real name is also Artur. 🙂

[@robdawson8186]

Its good to see maintenance done on a tank, a lot of people dont realise whats actually involved. And, everyone does it differently.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah there is so many different ways that work just depends what works for you.

[@pagewhite61]

Poor Flo, she’s got low self esteem now after being labeled “not good enough” 😂 I liked this video because dirty filters are something we all deal with.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha yeah I did feel bad for her

[@jer6162]

In my 50's really just starting the hobby. Love watching your channel and MD channel. You two are like brothers.. Keep up the great work.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@jer6162]

@@FishShopMatt Thank you for the great educational content.

[@rechelieu]

Never too late to join a hobby, my brother in age. I am also in the 50s but started in my twenties. Once you are in, you are in for life. This hobby is soo good.

[@michelrood2966]

Your flilter reminds me of the Eheim I have. The biggest one, people call it the Rolls royce of filters.. i must admit its in the attic, been there for over 15 years, waiting for me to get back into the hobby. Untill then, Watching your videos will do! Greetings from Aruba.

[@MrVovansim]

I like tank maintenance videos. Sometimes you see folks setting up tanks, and forget that there's more work that needs to be done to keep the tank running. And that is as, if not more, important as the initial scape work.

[@FishShopMatt]

Absolutely it's a complete circle. It's all very well setting them up but you got to look after them after that.

[@Mark-uc4dd]

@@FishShopMattgreat video 👍 Would you say a pre-filter on the strainer would help with tank conditions?

[@Hazel-Hill]

Your house plants would go crazy with that water. Nice vid. I just purchased my 1st oase thermo. Had water everywhere, forgot to put the heater back in the hole after looking at it. Then, I forgot how easily you can shut off the water - instead frantically trying to pull the intake hose out of the tank. Those suction cups are strong! It was like an episode of "I love Lucy".

[@FishShopMatt]

The roses enjoyed these buckets. Oh no! But I've been there before where you have a problem and the best answer doesn't come to mind first.

[@paulward428]

Hi Matt, we need more videos like this for the novices like me who are waiting for there tank to arrive.

[@FishShopMatt]

Awesome I'm glad you found it useful.

[@treysimmons2179]

Nice video Matt. Something simple, but super important. Lots of us needed a little nudge. (Who me?)

[@nightlite9009]

🤣 The reason I squeeze my sponges out monthly. Thanks for the reminder Matt. I'm always tempted to see if I can push it and this is why I shouldn't. 🤣 I was surprised how little media you had in there. But what works works.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah it's well worth keeping on top of it. I believe that's the original amount of media that comes with the fx so I went with it.

[@Lyvvie]

I've been recommending your channel to customers at our shop. Thank you for answering these very common new fishkeeper questions. I'm going to check my filter now...

[@Lyvvie]

Could you help me suggesting what people can stock a 16L tank with other than shrimp? I keep saying it's best as a quarantine tank but some people only want a small tank but aren't keen on shrimp (I don't know why, they're so much fun!)

[@FishShopMatt]

Two things I would recommend 1. Setting a small shrimp tank in the store if you can. This way you can show the customers how cool they are. Other than that 16L is a tough one there are some tiny fish out there but they are tricky to find and can be tricky to keep.

[@Lyvvie]

@@FishShopMatt Thank you, Matt! Maybe we should rescape the Shrimp tank, and add another one with colour specific shrimp instead of the one Skittles tank. Might make it look a lot better.

[@ukkiesc5087]

@@Lyvvie My go-to answer is that smaller fishtanks are a lot harder to maintain a good water quality. It'll be more work, and it's easier to mess up. So for beginner you should go for 25L+, but you could try keeping shrimps and snails in a 16L. What makes it tough is that I think ur talking about the superfish start 20, which has a goldfish on the box that people will point at :D

[@Lyvvie]

@@ukkiesc5087 It's a Blue Planet 16L Aquarium kit; they have two where one includes a heater. They also have a misleading picture of 15 neon tetra and four other unrealistic fish for keeping in 16L.

[@VikingPEZ]

Hey Matt, got an awesome video idea. You remember how you did the mirror scapes, one with fertiliser, one without. Well it's the same concept, but a mirror scapes both using fertilisers, but one will be adding the fertiliser when the light comes on. And one just before the light goes off (or when the light is off)... To compare the difference 😍 hope you like this idea, think it will answer so many questions 👍👍🍻

[@Roadrunners13]

I run dirt base filterless tanks successfully for decades, as I can’t be asked to buy and clean filters, but my tanks still need care. I enjoy your videos.

[@henrylo6773]

Just came back from cleaning my canister after watching this vid. After 1 month of my 40 gal filter used on my 30 gal long tank, I did not expect the sponges to be CAKED.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah it's crazy sometimes. Now watch how clean the tank becomes over the next few days.

[@dustyashberry6140]

I wish you would have shown what the filter looked like after the week of running the "dirty" system. Great video!!

[@lessharkboy]

I'm sure I should clean my filter more often after seeing this. I have a homemade water polisher out of an old internal pump and plastic bottle which I use every so often, just stuff a bit of filter wool in it, give the tank a stir and leave it running for an hour or so.

[@FishShopMatt]

I do exactly the same thing from time to time a very useful thing to use.

[@faedoyle4147]

I’ve never seen this filmed like this. Whole nine yard’s and I find it extremely fascinating. I will be taking some of your ideas and working them into mine. Some think this is boring and won’t show this but it’s hugely beneficial. Again, thanks Matt. You’re the best.

[@squamsh122]

Wow thats a huge improvement. Doing a filter clean tomorrow!

[@eatmynoobfood7461]

Must clean filter more often! - noted 😂👍 I tip the dirty filter water on my garden, makes the plants grow really well ✌️💜

[@FishShopMatt]

The roses got this water

[@rechelieu]

I pour mine into a patio pond. They say to fertilize the plants in the pond...Not when you have this dirty aquarium water. It's gold. I have massive success with it in my little patio world.

[@TheDonRomannn]

You've just motivated me to clean my filter. Thank you very much! :D

[@rechelieu]

Basics but so important. Excellent video. I clean my filters, but we all know it's dirty work, and we put it off sometimes.

[@mattferg84]

I appreciate this video, as someone in the hobby 2 years now I feel like a lot of filter / nitrogen content is aimed at absolutely new fish keepers. There was a really small piece of the MD at ADG Houston video where Jeff started talking about their filter media, and the reasoning behind it. I learned more in that 30 seconds than many other videos cover in 15 min

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you. Oh that's very interesting I'll have to go and rewatch that video.

[@bluesky0000]

A very very good topic to talk about really in the hobby that often overseen by even the experienced hobbyists. Good job Matt! Thanks for this :)

[@stephenlaw1782]

Amazing isn’t it Matt how despite the filter being rammed with waste it still kept the water quality in general good

[@FishShopMatt]

Yep, definitely helps to have a lot of plants, wood and rock

[@emmso94]

I actually had a filter problem on my newly set up tank. I noticed that my green rasbora was buoyant! They were grasping for air and I guess they have that kind of swim bladder where they can manually pump it up, so they became buoyant. I thought I had an ammonia spike or something like that but I couldn’t see anything when I tested the water. I did a big water change anyways and next day they were better. But the real problem was the filter, it hade become clogged up by melting plants and wasn’t moving the water enough causing the oxygen to become low! After that I am checking my filter every week.

[@FishShopMatt]

oOoOO good effort on spotting it!

[@eldridgehenry2]

GREAT VIDEO MATT. MEMPHIS TENNESSEE IS WATCHING

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!

[@markfranklin8831]

I agree. When my filters start to slow down is when i go ahead and clean.

[@gemmacorinne9487]

I have a shrimp tank without filter (well it now has like a sponge filter on the bubbler which is the only “tech” in the tank) so this was fascinating to see how much it cleared the tank, crazy stuff! Obviously with shrimps I don’t worry about the algae, it’s just more food for them!

[@lairos8553]

Loving the content and as always you come over as chilled and explain things in plain terms on all your uploads,keep it coming im just off to clean my filter😅

[@jakubmorawski3152]

I run Aquael ultramax 2000 and inside sponge filter with 1000l/h pump. I clean sponge filter and pre-filter on ultramax about once a month. Last time i open canister filter itself was after 2 years of running it and it was fairly clean inside, almost felt like it was unnecessery. But you inspiered me to check it out after next 2 years now xD

[@siyafakher1594]

Perfect illustration of the importance of biological filtration above mechanical filtration. Whilst mechanical might look yucky, the water parameters due to a combination of biological filtration, plants and water movement from the filter kept everything ok for the fish to survive. Actually an air stone also significantly helps with the gas exchange. You also have a UV which would be really helpful in ensuring the water is free from organisms which would normally make the fish sick. All these are like life support systems for a tank. Keep good water and the rest looks after itself.

[@FishShopMatt]

Exactly look after the water rather than the fish hahaha

[@gfunkHP]

I have the FX4 on a 75g with 4 geo. sveni, 1 e.b. acara, 1 albino threadfin acara, all around 2-4 inches. plus 13 diamond tetras fully grown, 4 cory cats, and 2 clown plecos. I feed every evening and 2x a week early in the morning. usually pellet 3-4 times a week and frozen 3-4 times a week. Cleaning the filter once a month is the only way to go while over feeding!!!!! I also do partial water changes 2x a month and a bigger ~30 gallon water change once a month. That plus my several large anubias and java fern bunches have kept the boys happy and the water stable. I also have a little bit harder water and have to be careful about the ph creeping alkaline so I supplement with about 5 gallons distilled -once a week dump a gallon in. My fish are growing and showing out great. LOVE the FX4, having had 2 other canister filters this one has been my favorite. great video!!!! Clean them filters!!!

[@danielchadwick-hh3cn]

Thanks Matt, you just shamed me into checking my fx filter... which was running fine, and water perameters fine, but when I opened it, it was just completely gunked up. After about 8 weeks.

[@FishShopMatt]

Sorry and you're welcome I guess hahaha

[@edwardlevett2459]

Typical Matt vid, informative and interesting,and well, guess what I will be doing tomorrow!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you and have fun!

[@cliffbeadle1547]

Hi Matt, great video. I use a Fluval 307 and follow the maintenance guide. It has run lovely all year, and the water, plants, and gravel have stayed lovely and clean. I can't recommend Fluval filters enough. Keep the videos coming.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, yeah fluval is a great brand!

[@JJLewin1]

How impressive is the FX2, nice one Matt

[@John-vo2bl]

The fluvals are a nice filter, I've used fx5 and fx6 on my old tanks. The only thing I don't like is once they get dirty and after a cleaning, they tend to get filthy twice as quick, I found changing one set every 2nd cleaning works great, but the downside is there not cheap. I have since moved on to a trigger 20 gallon sump, with media in my supply and charcoal in my return and filter floss after my refugium of freshwater plants. I change the floss once a week and just top off. Thx for the vids, even got my daughter watching them with me 😊👍👍

[@FishShopMatt]

They are decent filters but a good sump is a great thing. Glad to hear your daughter enjoys it, next gen of fishkeepers!

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

Thanks for the demo. Nice tank!

[@sombird8317]

This was genuinely so helpful. I look a lot of tips videos and they're usually things I know already, but this educated me. I'm so guilty of leaving my cannister for too long. I have a question that you might know the answer to - if you leave the filter unserviced like this, assuming it's still flowing and the water is testing okay, can it cause disease? I had a few bouts of illness in my tank that I could NOT figure out the source of. Just ocurred to me that maybe I was leaving the filter too long.

[@sombird8317]

PS your videos keep me sane love you

[@SchusterFishes]

I know people think it’s crazy to do but I clean my fx4 and all my other filters with tap water in my utility sink. It’s so much easier and faster to clean with the pressure from the faucet. Yes my tap has chlorine, there have been studies that chlorine does not kill beneficial bacteria in quick exposures just if it’s soaked in the chlorine water for long periods, I believe a video from primetime aquatics explains this, after cleaning fill back up and add a dechlorinator of course, I have never had a tank crash from this. I have over 14 tanks and I breed and sell fish I clean all my filters this way. Just makes things a lot easier than using tank water and buckets lol

[@rechelieu]

You antichrist, LOL...I did not know that. Most of us have a few tanks, you have a lot of tanks .

[@Fish-Tank-Live]

You've just created another job for me this weekend, cheers Matt... 😅

[@trevorcraig2824]

I really like this thumb nail. I like your signature purple...I do...but sometimes I cant see what the video is about and cant get excited for it because im distracted by how much purple and swirling colors there are. I loved this toned done version, still could get the feel of your unique twist and style but could see and enjoy what the video was going to be about. love the work you're doing!

[@KMD-if2gm]

I am loving these tutorials, keep smashing it Matt 👍

[@jimmied2838]

I manly use sponge filters so I have to stay on top of making sure they're clean. With that said I have one 40 gal breeder and the rest are 20 longs so I can get away with sponge filters. Loved the video

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, sponge filters are very useful.

[@seanbenstead7650]

We have just got our first aquarium plants all added, water additives added and water has settled nicely going to do all the tests tomorrow as its nice clean water now all the cloudiness has gone , its great for us new aquarium owners to see this video / tutorial many thanks for sharing 👍 now following you for more tips

[@rahamimdavidov5439]

Successfully cleaned out my fluval 407 after this, great job Matt

[@alexandrosasimakopoulos818]

Epic change, and fantastic video! I don't even own a tank and it's so satisfying 😅

[@ArnoldQMudskipper]

I've got lazy and just been cleaning the pre-filters. This is the motivation to get into the big boy sponges

[@BGN_Aquariums]

Im hoping to upgrade the filter on my Angelfish tank soon. Its a 300L tank. Thinking either fx4 or fx6. Depends on what the wallet will allow. Loving the content Matt. Keep up the great work 🫶

[@sancraft1]

I like the aglae on the rocks and such. It looks natural.

[@FishShopMatt]

That's why I leave it, naturalizes it and also provides a bit more food for the inhabitants

[@maxine3587]

Such a good idea to show tjis kind of content, with "proof", as it were. It answers a niggling question, even though i already keep shrimp.

[@brandhark7935]

I loove that you hung up your tools on the cabinet door! lol

[@dedeyount71]

Matt, thunk about the motor and propeller area. It should be cleaned there as well. You did have quite a bit of muck, so that area is nasty as well.

[@cigarsmokingguyatx]

Keep up the good work. I will admit I am very lax on cleaning my filters. On my smaller tanks(under 55 us gallons) I generally do them every 3 to 6 months but my later tanks(over 55 to 125 us gallons) I do once a year on new years days lol.

[@FishShopMatt]

On new years day! That's commitment, as I say if it works for you go for it.

[@staticborris85]

I clean my filter at least once a month... And I've never seen it get as bad as yours :'D :'D Great content, keep up with all the little bits of advice. Some people will definately need it :)

[@owenthegreat2640]

I’ve done this exact thing and came to realize there is only so much that the filter material is able to collect before it fills up and starts getting bypassed. The flow will continue but it’s going around the material instead of through it.

[@paulouzman7267]

Heavily planted tanks will create plenty of dead spots for muck to accumulate, especially away from the filter intake. A prefilter, like on the Oase biomaster, is invaluable in keeping the main filter cleaner for longer. I clean my prefilter every fortnight and the main canister every 6 months, but it is so lightly soiled I could leave it a year.

[@sombird8317]

I run a sponge in addition to a canister and find the same effect. Easy to squeeze it out every week or so and the main filter takes forever to get properly dirty.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah my oase biomaster does help but I find the flow slows down way quicker if you don't sort the prefilter.

[@hashbuddha]

I’m the one who needed to hear this, thank you

[@ryanprue5991]

Awesome video I was surprised at how much it cleaned up after considering the build up ! Not pulling out the impeller on a fx clean out is sacrilege Matthew 😂

[@juliepackham6669]

49.1K You're growing like crazy. Keep it up! Almost there!

[@andywrollo2915]

Wow. I been using 6 buckets to clean fx4 sponges and media. One bucket for each set of sponges. One fir the media. Amazing how clean you got your sponges with one bucket. Got a 6ft 670 literally tank this week and added a fx6. I'll leave the pair working for a couple of weeks to make sure the fx6 is seeded. Am I doing it right? Great video Matt. Been waiting for one like this. My fx4 seemed to filter better when it had some muck in it for some reason.

[@spookysahn8574]

Great video Matt!! Perfectly satisfying and informative content enjoyed over a cold beer after work..time to get work on my filters! Keep it up Matt! You’re going to the top!

[@bloatus7611]

I keep bettas in two of my tanks. I have learned the hard way that slacking on my maintenance routine, whether I'm busy or just not up to it, has had disastrous results for my bettas. I've raised both since pups and each time I decided to skip maintenance they've gotten sick. Putting off filter maintenance and water changes have both put me and them in worse positions. I think what makes it worse is I may be a bit overstocked while running HOBs. Currently saving up for a proper canister for my bigger tank so it can better deal with my bouts of neglect than my current HOB. Not that I want to neglect but as a bit of extra security.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah it's always worth having a safety net and sometimes the smaller filters don't give you that.

[@jennaowen5463]

is that a your christmas tree in the reflection? love your vids, my favourite go to relaxation vids, thank you

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

in general I clean my SUNSUN 704Bs once a year at the 1st of June. there is only bio filter media in them , they do fine,

[@FishShopMatt]

With a ton of bio media it can work and ultimately if it works for you go with it.

[@Eric_Allen]

If you have dead spots in the corners, having cory cats also helps keep the detritus suspended. They cruise around and kick up detritus into the water column so the filter can remove it.

[@FishShopMatt]

There is a group of sterbai and a group of Amazon bumble bee cats but they don't seem to work hard enough for a three month gap.

[@Babyluthi]

Hi Matt, your house or garden plants want that old water!☺💙🐠🐡🐟

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah my roses were pleased with these couple of buckets.

[@eyeinthesky74]

Yes your right about cleaning but also the Uv slows the flow of the pump......use a extra smaller filler for the uv so the fx isn't reduced in flow.... When I took my fx uv off it almost doubled in flow

[@MandyJane123700]

I've got two Fluval HOBs that will not let me get away with not cleaning them. Fortunately I tipped them towards the tank to stop them from overflowing when the media rises up. lol

[@FishShopMatt]

Good plan hahaha

[@wheelerzg76]

I always place my water outtake diagonally across the tank. That way I have good circular flow around the tank, no muck or pockets of muck.

[@AndyBear-i9x]

Hi Matt, Thank you for the very informative video, Excellent as always! Also, thanks again for helping me to get the Colombo CO2 Reactor last year, it was very much appreciated. I have a question for you and I hope you don't mind me asking it here? I had to go abroad and leave my aquarium for a month. When I returned there was a lot of evaporation from the aquarium as I expected. Can freshwater aquarium evaporation cause land moss to form on wood and plant leaves due to being exposed to the air? If you have the time, please reply.

[@OceanLife6977]

Love your video brother!! Your specific explanation on how your filter was full of matter and then cleaning it was on point! Thanks for sharing the importance of cleaning these filters. Subbed.

[@arnokoster6606]

Thanks for the tip, keep up the great videos 👍👍

[@connorwright5542]

Great video. Love this tank Matt! And definitely getting myself this filter when the time comes. One question, do you have any issue with shrimp and that inflow strainer?

[@sebumyebum]

I have 20 corydora in a 200l planted tank. I clean the Eheim filter once or twice a year. I move the baskets up and down a few times to remove the heavy dirt before I completely remove them. I completely remove them. I give the sponges a good wash under a running tap, hot or cold, then reassemble. Been doing it this way for last 6 years. Only seem to lose fish to old age. This of course won't work for everyone.

[@kerndeath]

Another quality video Matt …….. I saw them plant holders on your tank where are they from can you share a link …. Thanks in advance

[@haitch04]

Great video, half the Nation will be cleaning their filters tomorrow, Now, where's that bucket?

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha yeah I've read a lot of comments about going to check their filter tomorrow.

[@bonniegoodwin5653]

I liked it! Or course I do my filters frequently but it’s cool to see what happens in a canister filter when you wait. Gross but cool at the same time lol

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha not the first time I've been described as gross but cool 😂

[@bonniegoodwin5653]

Not you, you nut, the filters lol I love everything you do and I love when you talk about the different varieties of fish. So educational!!

[@maxine3587]

​@@FishShopMatt😂😂😂😂😂

[@roscopeco2000]

2 things on this subject its complicated by pre filters. I clean my OASE pre filter once a month I haven't looked at the main media yet. Also that dirty filter water is an excellent fertilizer for house and garden plants.

[@FishShopMatt]

The pre filter certainly does help.

[@rebeccaampuero2347]

I have a 3 gallon bowl with 4 mosquito fish and 4 tiny shrimp in it. Next to it is a 1 gallon with my assassin snail and a crayfish that apparently hatched from an egg on my plants. There were snails (bladder snails, I think). I suddenly had a bunch of brown algae on the glass and a bunch of little white worms in the smaller bowl. I was wondering if there is a way to filter these small bowls without beating the occupants to death. I am using a small LED desk lamp to light them both. I scrubbed out the little bowl today and started with a couple cups of water from the larger bowl to get rid of the worms. I ran a good bit of water through the larger bowl, but tried not to disturb the aquarium soil under the gravel. I scrubbed the glass the best I could. Both bowls have java ferns, which are growing pretty well. The large bowl also has a couple of dwarf Amazon swords and a banana lily. I love watching the little critters. I really wish I could get them balanced . The plants are growing well. I hope more growth will inhibit the algae. I did raise the lamp a bit today. Thank you for all your tutorials. I have learned a lot from you. 🤗

[@danheath1273]

Hey Matt, I'm pretty new with fish keeping, but crashed my cycle a few months ago been trying everything to fix it. So far not much success. I did however upgrade my filter to a fluval u3 (it's a 55L planted community tank). I'm scared of I clean my filter I will mess up the little cycled bacteria I already have? Is that true or not really 😂

[@MerryMary79]

Thanks for this, Matt! How often do you clean the impeller and such?

[@colingrant6990]

Congrats on 50k Matt 🎉

[@pinkysaurusrex8964]

I just changed my pre-filter, it had JUST reduced flow and there was a LOT of muck. I hope I can get away with just cleaning the pre-filter for a while. I don't want to have to get in there 😂😂😂💜🦖

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah if you have a prefilter it can help out massively as most of the muck stops at the prefilter.

[@TheRealTMar]

I rinse the sponges of the internal filter in my Juwel Rio 240 every 2 weeks and replace the floss about every month. As for filter setup, I've done the same as the guy who pimps filters on KZbin. Some years ago he made a video about the exact filter I have. And I use cleaning gloves when I do maintenance on the filter. I think fish poo and other detritus is too icky.

[@FishShopMatt]

That's a great regime to stick too. Fish poo is gross but it's been that long it doesn't bother me anymore.

[@prochaliha]

Gr8 info n topic on maintenance

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks a lot

[@darylcavanagh3977]

Thanks Matt, another good video. Happened in my old tank and ended up with BBA and malm on the ground. I blamed my pleco 😅 Btw how long can you keep your filter off for. Hesrd beneficial bacteria in filter dies pretty quickly without water running through it

[@dylanedwards5348]

Please do a scape with the Schoutedeni Tetradon puffers. Thanks

[@FishShopMatt]

oOoOO I do love them

[@dylanedwards5348]

@@FishShopMatt I have four and could use something to go on. There really isn't much on these guys, aquascape wise.

[@glassboxfish]

When you place new pothos from the soil do you just wash the soil off and plop it in the aquarium? I've only had luck with arrowhead plants for terrestrial plant filters, pothos always dies when I try it. Anyways great video Matt!

[@Chompchompyerded]

Good god! My FX 2 is on a tank with a full grown soft shell turtle in it, and it doesn't get that nasty! Gack! I can even smell it through the internet! I can also feel my supper coming back up. I can only imagine what your poor fish were living through. So glad you cleaned it! Very good video on a very important subject!

[@ShadowTrace_1]

I kinda like that earthy smell.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha it didn't smell that much on all honesty.

[@brandhark7935]

I run an eheim 2215 with a 2217 impeller but if I ever changed to a new filter it would either be the FX2 or the 2217. Have heard it's one of the best.

[@jamesnoonan7450]

When I clean my filter, I use the water I've cleaned the sponges in to water my house plants. I've seen a noticeable difference to my plants since the monthly feeding of dirty tank water. I suppose its essentially tank waste and compost something plants love.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah it's great stuff my roses got this water.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

do you reaaaAAAaaally need a filter on aquarium like this with so many plants? Or just some water circulation would be enough? Some snails and shrimp might do all the cleaning you need. A lot of fish though.. Hmm. hm?

[@AG-wf4mu]

I afraid to ask how dirty MDs filters were when you were last there!!

[@M0PAX]

nice job clean fillter happy fish

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!

[@garageaquatics2023]

Well Matt, this was helpful! Now I'm starting to rethink what I'm doing. I'm setting up a 75 gallon (284L) tank and I was going to put a hang on back filter on it. And because of the rock work against the back of the tank, it would have to go at one end or the other. It provides pretty good flow, but I'm wondering if the canister would provide better flow? Also, it looks like the UV is a separate attachment? Is it really necessary? Or more of a "luxury" item? I'm guessing letting the filters get that impacted will ultimately shorten their lifespan? Your thoughts? And then all of that "nasty" water out of the filter . . . do you use it for house plants in in the garden? Our house plants have never looked so good since we've been watering with filter water and water change water. As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights. Have a fantastic weekend, Mate! ~Ron

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Hey Matt , Amazing idea for a video, and I have never felt the lack of maintenance on my canister was anything other than more laziness which is why no water change even became the contentious issue that it did. Or didn't ? In my main display I notice when I have let my 307 go for longer than a month , the Pleco can quickly cover up the substrate . I was wondering if you have ever heard of or run any of the products from Grow Greenie ? It's been on my mind wondering if you have any thoughts on adding extra aeration in the home aquarium? Thanks for the video 🌴

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! I can't say I've heard of their products but will now go have a look. As for aeration it does a great job at keeping the muck in suspension in an aquarium if used correctly. It will also increase bacteria levels and surface area so it's all a good thing really as long as your fish don't mind water movement.

[@splashmanjr]

Starting my day off RIGHT with some FISH SHOP MATT LET's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@FishShopMatt]

Woohoo hopefully it got your day off to a good start!