New Ext Filter, Old One Broke Same Model. Need Do’s And Don’ts Please

Hi ther
Firstly background  I have an 8year old Aqua  one 1050(though I only have a 89litre tank). The outer retainer/cover dislodged itself either when I switched it off for tank cleaning or when I switched it back on. The result was it wouldn’t start again
IN a total blind panic, I immediately ordered a new one on line for next day delivery. I didn’t realise what the problem was, until AFTER I ordered the new one and took off the filter ‘head’ to find the culprit dislodged cover loose. I managed to put it back on and the motor started working again.  :)I haven’t tried to turn it off again in check whether the same thing happens again. 
The two impeller ‘covers/retainers have always been difficult to take off and especially to put back. My partner used to do that part of it when the filter was cleaned but he's sadly  passed away. I manage with difficulty cos arthritis in my hands. ( looking at the new filter impeller covers I see they are not exactly emailed of precision engineering
which certainly doesn’t help fitting them easily.

Anyway I need to check dos and donts for the new filter.  I assume it’s ok to use the existing baskets and media(is that the right word?)  The existing inlet and outlet pipes have not been thoroughly cleaned for a long  while, because that would mean dismantling them to do it. BUT they never seem to get lots of  gunk on them, possibly/hopefully because of a strong flow of water?
It wouldn’t be impossible for me to take them to bits as I do with the spray bar- even though that too never gets very gunky. But it would be very difficult.
I saw a post from Sue, hi there! :wave:about filters but it doesn’t really cover all the queries I have Not sure if you remember me, I certainly remember you and all the help you’ve given me in the past.
The stock is 3zebra danios 8 copper harlequins I small clown bristlenose I rabbit s head Snail 8japonica shrimps and 4 bumble bees.
I would really appreciate some  expert knowledge and experience about this
A massive thank you

Hi Rosleen, yes I do remember you and your awkward impeller covers  And I'm sorry to hear about your partner.

If you move all the media, and baskets if they fit, to the new filter that is fine. There will be a tiny number of bacteria on the old casing but so few compared to the total number that they'll multiply to replace them very quickly.

If you just disconnect the hoses from the old one, can they be fitted onto the new filter?
If the connectors are different, would you be able to remove the tubing from the old connects and reattach them to the new?

I have never had an external, but from what I understand you need to clean the tubes if they start getting deposits building up on the inside and impeding water flow.


Is there anyone who would be willing to give you a hand, under strict instructions from you of course? Like when I have my cataract operations I won't be allowed to lift buckets of water for 4 weeks so my son has agreed to help me with water changes - well, to carry the buckets while I do the siphoning and refilling.