How to Clean Your FilterFirst Premium Filter Pads Extend Their Life.

FilterFirst™ Premium Filter Pads are expertly designed to trap everything from large debris to fine particles—keeping your aquarium water crystal clear. With just a little routine care, you can extend the life of your filter pads, save money, and maintain a healthy tank environment.

Whether you're using them strictly for mechanical filtration or also as biological media, proper cleaning makes all the difference. Here's how to do it right—step-by-step, with pro tips for each use case.

For Mechanical Filtration Only

If your FilterFirst pad is being used to trap debris:

1. Rinse thoroughly under fresh tap water.

   
   

2. Squeeze out excess water several times.

   
   

3. Repeat until the water runs mostly clear.

   
   

Note: The pad may not return to its original bright white color—this is normal!

Most hobbyists rinse their filter pads every 1–2 weeks and replace them with a new pad monthly to maintain optimal performance.

For Biological Filtration

Using FilterFirst to support beneficial bacteria? Here’s where extra care is essential. FilterFirst pads can provide surface area for beneficial bacteria that support your tank’s nitrogen cycle. However, we recommend using bio balls or our other bio media for optimal bacterial growth.

If you are relying on FilterFirst for biological filtration:

Avoid rinsing with untreated tap water. The chlorine and chloramines can harm beneficial bacteria.

Instead, rinse gently using:

         -Dechlorinated water, or

         -Old tank water (during a water change)

This method removes debris while preserving the good bacteria that help keep your tank stable and healthy.

With a little maintenance, yourFilterFirst pads will continue working hard—so your aquarium stays clean,balanced, and beautiful.