Eheim 2215 new tank

[kadoe]

I've had my 75 gal tank setup for about 1 month. I have a model 2215 Eheim power filter and the instructions stated to remove the carbon filter, thus I did so. However I'm wondering if I should clean the entire filter out, at least run water through it to clean out the debris? I have well water and use salt to soften it (lots of iron) so when I restarted the filter, lots of white junk came of out the filter.
Am I supposed to totally clean this filter or just change the filter media?
Thanks

 

[Orion]

I wouldn't clean out the entire filter often as this can disrupt your biological filtration and cause your tank to go though a mini-cycle, or maybe even a full cycle.

When you do clean out your filter and media it's best to rinse it in tank water to keep from going though a mini-cycle.

Since this tank is so new I would hold off on any major cleaning, replacements or removing of any media other than the chemical media for a good while.

I get some debris in my tanks when I shut my canister's off and then restart them so it's not uncommon.

 

[kadoe]

thanks so much - sounds logical. I heard from a friend who recommended this unit that it's not necessary to change the filter or clean it for up to 6 months. Seems pretty long to me. Is this normal?
Thanks

 

[Orion]

How often the mechanical media needs changed depends on the fish load in the tank. The more fish and the more messy the fish the more often it's going to need to be cleaned or replaced.

 

[supapoopa]

And i don't think you should worry about the white gunk if its what I'm thinking it is. Its probably just deposits that form in the green tubing that probably came loose when messing with the canister. I would get that all the time with my Ehiem. Is that the only filtration you have on your 75 gal tank?