How Often To Change Aquarium Filter?
As a new aquarium owner, you might be wondering, how often do you change the aquarium filter?
Well, it depends on the type of filter you are using. Like, you don’t need to change the mechanical or biological filter until it falls apart. The chemical filters, like carbon filters, will need to change about once per month.
However, the secret of successful fishkeeping is keeping the water clean by leaving the filter dirty. Indeed! It signifies that your fish are healthy as the filter is working well.
You’ll find several types of filters in the market, which I will discuss in the article. They all need proper maintenance due to their discrete nature. If you buy an aquarium for the first time, you probably don’t know enough about aquarium maintenance.
You may be wondering if the aquarium filter needs to be changed. When to change? How to do it? And many more… Confusing? Don’t worry, relax, and sit tight. Today, I am going to answer all your queries. Be with me until you get the answer.
Is It Necessary To Change Aquarium Filter?
Well, not really! In fact, the filter is required to remove excess food, decaying organic matter, and fish waste from the water. It removes toxin buildup and ventilates the water so your fish can breathe.
By changing the filter, you remove the bacteria that consume nitrite, ammonia, and nitrate. The bacterial balance is necessary to keep the fish in healthy condition. Otherwise, it can poison fish.
Instead of changing the filter, it is better to maintain it regularly. However, you may need to change the filter in some cases. One of the most claimed cases is when the filter becomes miserably clogged.
That is, the activated carbon in the carbon filter becomes ineffective. So, it needs to be replaced. In that case, you just need a new filter.
Different Filtration Systems: How Often to change them?
If you are a freshwater or tropical fish lover, possibly you know that filtration is essential in an aquarium. Not all the aquariums use the same filtration system.
Here, I will discuss different filtration systems, their functions, and when to change them. Let’s get started.
Chemical Filtration
Chemical filtration systems mostly use activated carbon as filter media. It is used to remove impurities and yellow tints from the water. The carbon media in the chemical filters absorbs particles to keep them clean.
When to change?
The filter uses a chemical filtration system that needs to be changed once per month or once every two months. Especially when the filter finally filled up with particles and became saturated.
Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filtration is considered the most used and most reliable filtration system. This system removes debris or substances to keep the fish tank clean.
It uses a process named, aeration to provide air in the water by allowing air circulation. However, these filters use sponge or foam as a medium to do this job.
After a while, the filter media clogged up, so you need to rinse it with conditioned water. You can do this while changing tank water. However, you should do this at least once per month.
When to Change?
The filter media needs to be changed once it starts to fall apart. Before replacing the old media with the new one, it is better to keep the old media inside the tank. It will help the new media in the bacterial buildup.
Biological Filtration
The biological filtration system is used to form bacteria artificially. It works as a place where bacteria can grow. These bacteria help break down ammonia into nitrite and then from nitrite to nitrate.
However, bacterial buildup happens all over your fish tank. Mainly when you use mechanical or gravel filters. Moreover, you can rinse it in the tank water once every month.
When to Change?
If the biological filters start to fall apart, you should change it.
Types of Aquarium Filters
Diatomic Filters
These filters are used to remove tiny particles from the aquarium water. Diatom filters remove wastes, like algae. It works only when there is any waste. Most standard aquarium filters are designed with diatomic filters.
That is, this filter works as a supporting filter, which helps to serve more than one function. You may not need to change the filter at all. Instead, keeping an alternative filter is a good idea.
Canister Filters
Another powerful filter used in an aquarium is designed for most aquariums. Canister filter delivers mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.
That’s why it is compatible with an aquarium that has a massive amount of water. It pushes the water to go through the filtration media. Experts suggest not changing these filters.
BOX Filters
Box filters are also known as corner or internal filters. They are combined with the most filtration system. These are equipped with a collection of compact units.
The filter is compatible with a small-sized aquarium that can hold 20 gallons of water. Besides, these are the most expensive compared to others. So you’ll find them mostly in hospital aquariums.
It helps any existing filtration system be more effective. You’ll need to change the media of the box filter more often. It is better to keep a second filter so you don’t have to remove all the bacterial beds each time.
What Should You Be Aware Of?
Remember, your aquarium water can be toxic without proper filtration. It can harm the fish. An inferior working filter is not what your fish expects. You must do regular maintenance and service to ensure the filter works at its maximum potential.
Moreover, you must change the filter once the filter media is falling apart. It can be terrible if you improve the filter more often. This is because it may remove beneficial bacteria.
How to Maintain an Aquarium Filer?
Since all types of filters are not recommended to be changed immediately, you must maintain them properly. The cleaning techniques are different for every kind of filter.
You’ll find several methods available on the internet. Still, I found the following as the most effective. You can check them.
Cleaning a Mechanical Filter
Step 1: First, clean the filter’s sponge.
Take two cups or more (if needed) of water from the tank. Never use tap or distilled water to aid your fish. You can use the siphon or plastic cup to remove the water. Now, drain it into a medium-sized bowl.
Step 2: Turn off the filter to avoid shocking yourself while cleaning. Remove the sponge and filter if possible. It will make your job easier.
Step 3: It’s time to clean the sponge or filter media. Wash it with the drained water, and wash off all the dirt. You can squeeze the sponge until it runs clear.
Step 4: Now clean the other parts of the filter using the leftover water. Scrub it well. You can use a filter-cleaning brush to clean hard-to-reach spots.
Step 5: Finally, you are done with the cleaning. It’s time to put the sponge back into the filter and then the filter back into the aquarium. If you see any remaining water, make sure to discharge it properly.
Now, turn on the filter again.
Cleaning Chemical and Biological Filters
In the case of chemical filters, follow steps one, two, and four from the above. The only difference is in filter media. Whenever the water becomes cloudy, swap out the carbon.
Make sure to remove the carbon before starting step one. Likewise, follow the same steps for biological filters as well. After removing the filter, quickly sink it into the tank water and put it back.
To Conclude!
Indeed, the more dirty the filter is, the healthier the environment your aquarium inhabitants will get. So far, you need to ensure your filter is working correctly. A better filtration system will help the water to stay crystal clear.
Hence, you must know how often to change the aquarium filter. Whenever you see that your aquarium filter is not working, this is the right time to change it. Hopefully, you’ve got the answer to all your queries.
Now, be a proud owner of an aquarium full of healthy fish!
