4 Things You Should Avoid Doing with Aquarium Filters

All ecosystems have a certain degree of interdependence complexity. For example, in a coffee farm where gourmet beans are cultivated, trees should be planted around crops to attract birds, which in turn eliminate insects that can be harmful to plants. In the case of freshwater aquariums and reef tanks, nitrifying bacteria colonies are crucial in terms of promoting a healthy aquatic habitat. The nitrogen cycle of a tank or pond cannot be reached unless Nitrobacter can bloom, grow, and continually colonize. This is where biological filtration comes in. A filter is one of the most essential saltwater and freshwater aquarium supplies, and it must be understood to avoid the following mistakes.

1. Only Providing Air Filtration

This mistake is sometimes made by beginners who incorrectly assume small tanks only need an aeration pump plus an air stone to keep a single goldfish or an aggressive Siamese male (Betta splendens). The problem with this rudimentary aquarium is that it lacks true biological filtration, which means ammonia levels could easily climb to toxic levels unless the aquarist is prepared to measure water chemistry and perform partial water changes on a daily basis. Even still, a lack of biological filtration will burn the skin and sensitive gills of any fish, period! No matter how much water a tank can hold, a biological filter is required to maintain an adequate nitrogen cycle.

2. Rinsing Off Filters with Tap Water

Even seasoned aquarists make this mistake from time to time, especially when they rush through a tank cleaning. Biological filters provide an optimum medium for Nitrobacter bacteria. This is where colonies of these vital microorganisms form, and it would be counterproductive to put one of these filters under running water because the colonies would be destroyed with the bacteria running down the drain and killed by the chlorine in the municipal water from the tap. When a filter needs to be cleaned because of algae and debris sticking to the surface, you should only use established aquarium water you had already intended to change. It looks dirty but it’s cleaner than your filters.

3. Assuming Filter Media Will Last Forever

Even though modern bio-filters are made with materials that can withstand corrosion, you shouldn’t assume they’ll last forever. Keep in mind that aquarium filter media constantly catches fish waste, which means it’s always exposed to bio-degradation processes. The efficacy of filters depends on the integrity of their surface area. Once they start disintegrating, the Nitrobacter count in your tank will be reduced, and this often results in ammonia levels going up. A good idea in this regard is to always have a new filter still in its packaging as a backup. Try to add the new filter in addition to the old biofiltration media for a few weeks to get a head start on colonizing before you discard the old one.

4. Putting Too Much Trust in Your Filtration System

The three-step aeration and filtration system you get with many starter tanks shouldn’t replace good practices such as measuring water chemistry, checking on the health of your species, cleaning the tank, and performing regular water changes. You should check the state of filter media at least every two months, and you shouldn’t assume it’s always getting the job done. The best policy is to use water test strips to measure ammonia and nitrogen levels.

In addition to having a high-quality filter for your aquarium, there are several other supplies you’ll need to keep your tank running smoothly and its inhabitants healthy. Whether you need aquarium controllers or monitors, beneficial bacteria, protein skimmers, heating or cooling systems, or any other aquarium supply, you can find what you’re looking for at Aquatic Warehouse. Order what you need from our website, stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or call one of our knowledgeable representatives with any questions at 858-467-9297.