How often change fish tank filter? Keeping the fish tank clear and clean is extremely important for the health of the fish and the beauty of the aquarium. One of the key factors in achieving this is changing the aquarium filter periodically. However, many people still wonder about the appropriate filter replacement frequency. In this article, fishtankenthusiast.com will provide you with the necessary information to answer this question, helping you keep your fish tank in the best condition.
How often change fish tank filter
A good rule of thumb is ‘keep the water clean and the filter dirty’ and this really is the secret to successful fish farming. While a good filtration system will keep the water crystal clear, it’s important to remember that even though it’s clear, the water can still be full of nitrates, phosphates, pheromones, and other byproducts that build up from daily life inside aquarium. If done properly, water changes are always beneficial, and if you stick to a regular weekly 25% water change regimen, your pet will thrive.
Old water is good for algae growth and will make your aquarium look tired as well as weaken your fish’s immune system. Water change rates can be adjusted according to your fish stocking level and feeding rate – dirty fish such as large tilapia and goldfish thrive on frequent water changes, while Tanganyikan tilapia and Reef tanks prefer smaller water changes, about 10% at a time to ensure more stability.
Filters need to be dirty to function properly, but they still require regular maintenance. Biological filter media such as foam or ceramic need to be rinsed with water from the aquarium as they begin to significantly slow down the flow rate. If you have the option of cleaning 50% of the filter media at once, you can clean more thoroughly but always use aquarium water and never expose mature filter media to tap water that contains chlorine.
In contrast, chemical filter media such as carbon or phosphate removal resins will be less effective when dirty because bacteria will actually clog them and prevent them from working. Mechanical filtering materials such as dental floss work best when kept clean and changed periodically.
Depending on a variety of factors, rinsing the filter media monthly at the same time as a water change that week can be the ideal basis for a regular maintenance regimen.
How to customize your aquarium filter with filter media
It makes reasonable that consumers would want to be able to modify their filtration system to best meet their demands, given the wide variations in fish tank sizes and stocking levels. Most filters – such as hang-on filters (HOBs), corner canisters, internal filters, canister filters and barrel filters – can be modified by changing the type of filter media used inside. in.
The various layers of material that the tank water is filtered through and then put back into the aquarium are referred to as filter media. Keep reading to learn about the different types of filter media, their functions, and which one you should use.
1. Mechanical filtration media
Mechanical filtration consists of sponges, sponge pads, and filter fibers that filter debris out of the water, much like a coffee filter. Mechanical filter media has many pores so that water can still flow through, and the size of the pores determines the size of the particles trapped in the material.
Coarse foam pads with large pores trap most debris like fish poop and dead leaves, and when they’re full of waste, you can squeeze them out in old tank water and reuse them over and over again. Plus, they don’t clog as quickly, so you don’t have to constantly clean them. The disposable filter cartridges that come with a lot of aquarium filters are frequently replaced with foam pads.
If you still see small particles floating in the aquarium and want crystal clear water, try adding a fine poly pad or filter fiber. Because of its extremely fine porosity, this mechanical filter media can capture even the tiniest waste and garbage particles in your aquarium. Since filter cotton pads are very thick by design, they can clog easily and need to be replaced when they turn brown. Both the coarse sponge and the smooth poly pad can be customized by cutting them into smaller sizes so they fit your filter.
2. Biological filter material
Biofiltration is the use of beneficial bacteria and aquatic plants to consume toxic nitrogen chemicals produced by fish waste, thereby purifying the water. Since beneficial bacteria grow on any surface in the tank that has enough oxygen, the filter is a prime location to boost the population. Biological media (such as bio-rings and bio-balls) have many porous or intricately patterned surfaces that “home” bacterial populations. (In fact, beneficial bacteria also easily grow on coarse sponges used for mechanical filtration.)
The shape of the biological media also allows water to flow freely through them to bring more oxygen to the bacteria. Fish tank debris can coat these surfaces over time, so clean the aquarium every 1-3 months by gently swishing or rinsing in old tank water until the debris is gone. fall out. (To make cleaning and handling easier, if you are using bulk biological material that does not arrive in a bag, place it in a filter bag.)
3. Chemical filter material
Chemical filtration has the ability to remove pollutants and certain chemicals from water. The most common type is activated carbon, which is highly porous and easily absorbs drugs, tannins and other impurities. Activated carbon for aquariums is usually in loose granular form and must be contained in a bag of filter material.
We prefer using carbon infused media pads because they are easier to handle, can be cut to custom sizes, and provide better mechanical filtration to filter debris out of the water. You can even cut off a portion of the pad to wrap around the sponge filter with a rubber band or tie for enhanced chemical filtration. When the activated carbon pores are filled with contaminants, the activated carbon material is no longer functional and must be replaced.
If you prefer reusable chemical filtration, buy a synthetic adsorbent like Purigen. The polymer beads are pre-packaged in bags, ready to absorb organic waste and tannins. When the adsorbent changes color from opaque white to dark brown, the pores in the polymer are saturated and must be cleaned. To enable the Purigen bag to be reused, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make a diluted bleach solution that burns away organic contaminants.
Some types of filter media are designed to target and filter out specific chemicals. For example, ammonia is prone to spike when the aquarium’s balance is disrupted, such as after moving the aquarium, losing power, or thoroughly cleaning the aquarium. To prevent toxic ammonia levels from building up, you can install an ammonia filter to absorb the ammonia and keep your fish safe.
If phosphate levels are too high in your fish tank, it can lead to algae growth and harm your fish’s health. Try using a phosphate pad to control phosphate so algae can’t take advantage of it. When keeping live aquarium plants, some articles on planted tanks recommend maintaining around 0.5-2.0 ppm phosphate for healthy growth, so don’t remove too much phosphate or you can See the leaves turn yellow and brown.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean my fish tank filter without killing the bacteria?
Remove the filter media and rinse them in old aquarium water or dechlorinated water to remove any accumulated waste. Coarse sponges are the dirtiest and can be squeezed vigorously to clean as much as possible. Biological filter media contains beneficial bacteria and should be gently stirred (not rubbed) in the water.
Chemical filters need to be completely replaced when used up (unless you are using Purigen, which can be cleaned with diluted bleach). Filter maintenance frequency depends on many factors, such as filter size, amount of filter material, and amount of food introduced into the aquarium. As a general rule, we recommend setting a calendar reminder to clean the filter every 1-3 months.
In what order should I place fish tank filter materials?
There are many ways to layer filter media into your filter, so these are our general suggestions. The first step is to look in the instructions and find out which direction the water flows through the filter. Once the water enters the filter media basket, we like to use a coarse sponge as a mechanical filter to block the largest debris and prevent them from entering the rest of the filter media.
If you need to use ammonia or phosphate material pads, you can place them here because the pads also act as mechanical filters. As a final layer of mechanical filtration, you have the option of adding a fine poly pad to catch smaller particles floating in the water.
The next layer is biological filtration, so fill the tray with biological filter media. Finally, you may choose to use chemical filtration such as activated carbon or Purigen in the final stage just before the water exits the filter and flows back into the aquarium. Not all of these products are necessary, but we recommend having at least a coarse mechanical filter layer and then a biological filter layer if you have the room.
How long can fish tank filter materials last?
Reusable filter media – such as coarse sponges, bio rings and Purigen – can be used for many years, as long as they can be cleaned well enough so that their functionality is not impaired. Smooth poly sheets should be thrown away when they turn brown and water cannot move through them easily.
The only way to know if chemical filtration such as activated carbon, ammonia pads and phosphate pads are gone is to measure the water. If the water has tannins or strange odors and the activated carbon is no longer removing them, it’s time for a replacement. If you measure ammonia or excess phosphate in the water, it is likely that the chemical material pads are saturated and no longer active.
Do I need carbon in my aquarium filter?
Since activated carbon (and most chemical filters) is disposable and cannot be reused, we want to retain it for specific situations when we know contaminants or tannins are present. which we want to remove. If you are preparing for aquarium photography, you may choose to use carbon to ensure extremely clear water. However, most aquarists do not use carbon on a daily basis because it depletes very quickly and the results are likely to be temporary.
Conclusion
How often change fish tank filter, the frequency of changing fish tank filters depends on many different factors. Therefore, you need to flexibly adjust based on the specific condition of your aquarium. Monitoring water quality and observing fish health are also effective ways to know when to change the filter. Take the time to care for your aquarium carefully and you will be rewarded with a beautiful living space and healthy, energetic fish.
