Hi - first, thanks for all the great info on this site - after lots of reading, I bought an M401/402 kit last week, and I've been really happy with it. My questions have to do with basic maintenance, and I'm sure the answers are on some forum somewhere, but I haven't been able to find them, so would appreciate others' thoughts.
First, cleaning: everyone seems to have different routines, and I haven't yet figured out what mine will be, but basically I need to (1) wipe out the battery threads now and then with a paper towel, and (2) clean the atty now and then by soaking it in hot water, letting it dry, and then priming it. Is that right? Anything else? Do I need to clean cartridges, and if so, how? I am filling my own, although I have a few prefilled ones.
Another cart question: I know they can be refilled, and I also know they will not last forever. How do I know when it's time to replace? I've also heard people talk about using fluval for the filler - meaning what, you throw out the filler stuff that came with the carts and replace it with fluval? So this means the cart lasts a lot longer? How do you know when to replace the filler?
Obviously I want to take good care of these things, so all cleaning and maintenance advice will be much appreciated!
First, cleaning: everyone seems to have different routines, and I haven't yet figured out what mine will be, but basically I need to (1) wipe out the battery threads now and then with a paper towel, and (2) clean the atty now and then by soaking it in hot water, letting it dry, and then priming it. Is that right? Anything else? Do I need to clean cartridges, and if so, how? I am filling my own, although I have a few prefilled ones.
Another cart question: I know they can be refilled, and I also know they will not last forever. How do I know when it's time to replace? I've also heard people talk about using fluval for the filler - meaning what, you throw out the filler stuff that came with the carts and replace it with fluval? So this means the cart lasts a lot longer? How do you know when to replace the filler?
Obviously I want to take good care of these things, so all cleaning and maintenance advice will be much appreciated!
