How often do you need to clean the canister and change out the carbon and pads?
816255
How often will depend on your fish load or if you have other additional filtration. I don't use any carbon in a live planted tank with mine. Carbon is good for removing odor and water discoloration but also can absorb plant fertilizer and fish treatment medications. I think every two months for carbon if you use it is a good starting point to go from. With the pads I generally rinse mine a few times and re use them until they start to fall apart or just get too gross. Good luck.
816256
I have a res turtle that is about 8" and has a healthy appetite. With that said I clean it out about every two weeks to keep the water crystal clean. I could get away with once a month
816257
I've had mine for three months now and have never had to change the pads. Only rinse them off once.
816258
Carbon I would at once every couple months, my method with all filters and water parameters is if it's not broken, don't try to fix it. This filter is horrible though, both replacements leaked about 3 gallons of water on my carpet, spend an extra hundre and get a fluval 206
2255895
You don't have to if you don't want to, Carbon wears out with usage, but it's main purpose is to remove odors. So, unless your tank smells a lot, there is no need to do anything more then rinse the container it's in until the water runs clear. For anyone that disagrees, just look up usage of carbon/charcoal filters in aquariums and you will find numerous articles on it. Some say what it absorbs may leach back into the tank if not changed, but it really hasn't been proven.
1228979
look at page 6 of the manual. it's located athttp://www.danby.com/cms/documents/pdfs/en/DDR50A2GP_DDR60A2GP_DDR70A2GP_DDR60A1CP_EFOM_%28DM%29_Revised_Feb_27_2013_%28web2%29.pdfevery 2 weeks is the recommended frequency of cleaning
1802845
The manufacturer recommends every six months, you can rinse the carbon filter. The machine has an indicator light that tells you when the filter needs changing. I personally love the winix and it controls smoke and dust very well!
997105
I have had this canister for six months. Each time I empty the dirt, I use a soft brush to clean the filter. I have not cleaned the filter yet, but plan to this month.
1267748
I also use this for a red eared slider turtle. All of the filter media I change at different times to allow the "good" bacteria a chance to do their jobs and not "shock" the water with all new stuff. The carbon I like to change at least every 4 months. The polishing pads if you use them I change every month and the foam filters I will rinse every month or so, but change out with the carbon every 4 months along with the carbon. This is a great filter system! Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope you found this helpful!
2139347
It is very easy to lift out the filter and its housing and rinse and replace. The grinder however does not need to be cleaned each time. Perhaps once a month or a bit more, depending on how heavy your usage.
477554
The carbon needs to be replaced once a month. The sponge needs to be rinsed once a month with de-chlorinated water, but should hold up for at least 6 months. The ceramic bio-cylinders will need to be rinsed with de-chlorinated water once a month but they will probably last at least a year. You should alternate between replacing the carbon and rinsing the other media every two weeks to keep the beneficial bacterial colonies at peak levels.
1267750
I also use this for a red eared slider turtle. All of the filter media I change at different times to allow the "good" bacteria a chance to do their jobs and not "shock" the water with all new stuff. The carbon I like to change at least every 4 months. The polishing pads if you use them I change every month and the foam filters I will rinse every month or so, but change out with the carbon every 4 months along with the carbon.This is a great filter system! Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope you found this helpful!
669866
According to the booklet, when to replace the HEPA filter depends on hours used, air quality, and location of the unit. In most cases the unit will need to be replaced annually, and it should be changed after the 'change filter' light comes on. For best performance change the carbon pre-filter every 3 months. It warns specifically: "Caution, do not wash and reuse the true HEPA filter or the carbon pre-filter as they will not work effectively." Having said that, I have vacuumed the carbon pre-filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment since it collects a huge amount of dust. I haven't needed to change the HEPA yet. According to the booklet, when to replace the HEPA filter depends on hours used, air quality, and location of the unit. In most cases the unit will need to be replaced annually, and it should be changed after the 'change filter' light comes on. For best performance change the carbon pre-filter every 3 months. It warns specifically: "Caution, do not wash and reuse the true HEPA filter or the carbon pre-filter as they will not work effectively." Having said that, I have vacuumed the carbon pre-filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment since it collects a huge amount of dust. I haven't... » Read More According to the booklet, when to replace the HEPA filter depends on hours used, air quality, and location of the unit. In most cases the unit will need to be replaced annually, and it should be changed after the 'change filter' light comes on. For best performance change the carbon pre-filter every 3 months. It warns specifically: "Caution, do not wash and reuse the true HEPA filter or the carbon pre-filter as they will not work effectively." Having said that, I have vacuumed the carbon pre-filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment since it collects a huge amount of dust. I haven't needed to change the HEPA yet. « Show Less
669868
According to the booklet, when to replace the HEPA filter depends on hours used, air quality, and location of the unit. In most cases the unit will need to be replaced annually, and it should be changed after the 'change filter' light comes on. For best performance change the carbon pre-filter every 3 months. It warns specifically: "Caution, do not wash and reuse the true HEPA filter or the carbon pre-filter as they will not work effectively." Having said that, I have vacuumed the carbon pre-filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment since it collects a huge amount of dust. I haven't needed to change the HEPA yet.
1237393
Every 3 years. (6 washings)There is also a carbon filter that they recommend replacing.
110992
I normally do several gallons in a row myself and then I put soap, water and vinegar in the unit and let it sit for a few hours. This gets the canister clean and looking new. I also occasionally wipe out the build up with a paper towel between loads if its looking really bad.
46618
It takes three (3) each. The HEPA filter is the expensive one and I replace it about once a year, while the carbon filter is replaced every 3 months. When you replace the carbon filter you'll be able to inspect the HEPA filter. I have washed the carbon filters and re used them.Keith
1802840
The instructions say to change the carbon filter every 3 months. There is an indicator light for the HEPA filter.
282066
It is ment to be replaced not cleaned. It traps all the alge and impurities in the charcoal and should be discarded in the trash. I replace it every couple months. I only have 1 thursty golden retreiver
472072
I have another Holmes and bought this one for a 2nd room... I only change the HEPA filters maybe 1ce a year, but I vacuum the Carbon filter weekly and replace them every quarter or 6 months.