How to clean Ehiem Wet/Dry

Snausy · 11/11/2007, 03:27 AM

Hi guys, I have a nice Ehiem Wet/Dry filter that I want to use on my QT tank.

The problem is that it was disconnected six months ago and my gf left it in the closet full of water for a couple months. It got really nasty/smelly and it's also pretty dirty from a recent move.

I emptied the water months ago and it's dry, but I want to clean the filter and the ceramic media very well before using it again.

How would you suggest cleaning it? I have a tank that I can put it on, maybe use bleach at first, then empty everything and then use some dechlorinator? Maybe vinager? I could use some help here.

How would you clean a nasty smelling Ehiem wet/dry cannister to make it a trustworthy filter once again?

Thanks for the suggestions

JayB1224 · 11/11/2007, 06:00 AM

I clean my Ehiem with water and vinager. Let it soak for a good day then rinse very very well. It should clean it pretty well. If the media still looks dirty or still smells i would just buy new media.

Snausy · 11/11/2007, 01:00 PM

What ratio of vinager to water should I use?

Will the vinager kill any unwanted bacteria?

Snausy · 11/11/2007, 02:13 PM

I'm wondering if vinager is going to cut it here. I need to sterilize this filter. I'm thinking bleach is the only answer.

Can someone else confirm that using a 10%(or whatever) bleach solution would be a good way to sterilize this tank/filter? I don't need to break down calcium deposits, does vinager actually sterilize?

I read a thread about some guys tank being left in closet or going dry. Everyone told him to bleach it, then dechlorinate it. I don't see how this is different.

11/11/2007, 03:27 AM	#1
Snausy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 907	How to clean Ehiem Wet/Dry Hi guys, I have a nice Ehiem Wet/Dry filter that I want to use on my QT tank. The problem is that it was disconnected six months ago and my gf left it in the closet full of water for a couple months. It got really nasty/smelly and it's also pretty dirty from a recent move. I emptied the water months ago and it's dry, but I want to clean the filter and the ceramic media very well before using it again. How would you suggest cleaning it? I have a tank that I can put it on, maybe use bleach at first, then empty everything and then use some dechlorinator? Maybe vinager? I could use some help here. How would you clean a nasty smelling Ehiem wet/dry cannister to make it a trustworthy filter once again? Thanks for the suggestions

11/11/2007, 06:00 AM	#2
JayB1224 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 342	I clean my Ehiem with water and vinager. Let it soak for a good day then rinse very very well. It should clean it pretty well. If the media still looks dirty or still smells i would just buy new media. __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 75g mixed reef, 30g sump, 2x250w reefoptixIII, Octo Extreme 160 w/PW

11/11/2007, 02:13 PM	#4
Snausy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 907	I'm wondering if vinager is going to cut it here. I need to sterilize this filter. I'm thinking bleach is the only answer. Can someone else confirm that using a 10%(or whatever) bleach solution would be a good way to sterilize this tank/filter? I don't need to break down calcium deposits, does vinager actually sterilize? I read a thread about some guys tank being left in closet or going dry. Everyone told him to bleach it, then dechlorinate it. I don't see how this is different. __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. -Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300gal FOWLR- Emperor Angel, Rainbow Wrasse, Green Bird Wrasse, Dogface Puffer, Niger Trigger, Flame Hawkfish, Matted Filefish 150 Turbosnails that only come out at night! :D

11/11/2007, 01:00 PM	#3
Snausy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 907	What ratio of vinager to water should I use? Will the vinager kill any unwanted bacteria?