How Often Should a Fish Tank Filter Be Cleaned?

A tank filter is important to fish care, helping keep your pets healthy and giving them a happier life. The filter serves many purposes, such as cleaning waste from the tank and as an oxygen source as it sends a stream of water back into the tank. The stream also creates excellent flow throughout the tank, helping circulate and clean the water more efficiently. With such an important role, the filter requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

  1. Frequency of Cleaning

    • Fish tank filters should be cleaned every three to four weeks, including the replacement of disposable cartridges. You can also rinse off the filter to remove any debris or buildup on it. Unless the instructions specify not to, rinse any new filter media in cool running water before introducing it to the tank. Do not replace all media, such as cartridges, sponges and carbon packets, at once. This requires the tank to cycle all over again and rebuild a healthy amount of bacteria.

    Why You Replace Cartridges

    • Fish tank filter cartridges are filled with carbon that removes impurities, odors and discoloration. This keeps your fish healthy by removing harmful toxins,and keeps the tank looking beautiful. A dirty or clogged cartridge slows water flow from the filter. A fish tank that requires cleaning will have a severe amount of algae growing. Use an algae scraper and scrub the glass on the aquarium sides before removing water.

    Warnings

    • Never use any detergent or household chemicals while cleaning a fish tank or any fish tank parts. The same applies to buckets used to replace tank water. Household detergent can be harmful and toxic to fish. Never let the power filter get dirty to the point that water doesn't flow from it; the motor will burn out, requiring a replacement. Use only cartridges approved for your filter.