Can anyone tell me of a filter that is easy to open ( I mean separate all the compartments when it comes to cleaning or renewing filter media) I currently have a fluval old type 3, a fluvel 4 plus and another model aquatics something or other) but what they all have in commen is difficulty in opening the compartments when it comes to cleaning. I usually rotate them every month when it comes to rinsing out the sponge material etc, and the same when they need new filter media...............but I dread doing it every time because of the long process involved in opening them up. would welcome any info on filters where I might not have this problem

What types of filters are you looking for? I own emperor hang on the back type filters, and find them very easy to clean. I usually just wash out the filter pads and put them back in (just takes 1-2 min to take them out, rinse them out well, and put them back in). Then after a couple months I wash out the unit, which takes <10 minutes total.

I also own a few canister filters (XP series), and find them very easy to clean up, as well as disconnecting and reconnecting them. They are the easiest canister filters that I have personally tried.

I have limited experience in other filter types, as all my filters are hang on back or canister.

Thanks Mkinga for replying,
mine are all internal filters, I have 3 in one tank and aim to remove one to leave just 2, but intentially was going to decide on the 2 that were easier to clean,but they are all 3 a nightmare to clean.................dunno if it just me, cus other folks don't seem to have the same problems as me

Hi Miaowen, I have mainly canister filters too, but I do have two tanks with internal filters in them, a Fluval 1 plus in my WCMM tank and 2 x Fluval 3 plus's in one of my goldie tanks. I'm not familiar with the older Fluval models, but personally I don't have any problems with cleaning or maintenance on my newer Fluvals. What do you find difficult with them? I think they're probably the easiest you're gonna get with internal filters

i have the fluval 3 plus. i think it's by far the easiest filter to maintain that i have owned. rena filstars are quite straight forward too.