I am in the middle of moving and accidentally spilled floor cleaner on the filter ( no filter media inside).

[Alicia]

can i clean it and still use it in the tank? or do i have to buy a new one?

[CwFisher]

Oh no!        Personally I'd replace the whole thing, especially if what got spilled on goes in water..seems like any cleaner left iz gonna leach into water....can't risk with chemicals.              Cw

[Alicia]

ok. i was really hoping not having to do that but. i was kinda looking at getting sponge filter.

[lefty o]

super clean it, then clean it some more, then leave soak in a bucket of water to leech off anything that might not have gotten out by cleaning.

[Alicia]

how owuld i super clean it? with water? or more chemicals like soap?

[RockMongler]

Yeah, it's probably still usable, I would just make sure to rinse it off very very very VERY well.  I imagine the cleaner is water soluble, so make sure it is exposed to lots and lots of fresh water before you make use of it.

Is it a hang on back filter, or canister filter, or something else completely?

[Alicia]

its a filter that goes INSIDE the tank. it has suction cups to attach to the glass.

[lefty o]

2 minutes ago, Alicia said:

how owuld i super clean it? with water? or more chemicals like soap?

hot water, and maybe mix in a little baking soda to neutralize any chemical left behind by the floor cleaner.

[RockMongler]

1 minute ago, lefty o said:

hot water, and maybe mix in a little baking soda to neutralize any chemical left behind by the floor cleaner.

Baking soda is good if it is an acidic based cleaning product.  Another option, if it is a basic cleaning product, would be to rinse with some vinegar (good ol' acetic acid).  Alternating between those, and just a lot of fresh water to flush everything out, should be sufficient.

[Alicia]

yea... i don't have all those things. just going to get another one.

 

[CwFisher]

Yeah lefty o....good idea with hot water & baking soda and soaking ... probly work.

[CwFisher]

I once sprayed my goldfish bowl with 409...right into the open top. fish made it ok..but I waz freaking out that day..note: i know I'm not supposed to keep a goldfish in a bowl..but its a really big bowl..holds 30gallon, and I didn't know that 11years ago (how long do goldfish live?) When I won him/her at carnival..   Cw