How to Use a Power Filter in a Marine Tank

Marine aquariums are a delicate ecosystem that must be maintained in pristine condition to ensure the health of each element. One of the primary methods for maintaining cleanliness in a marine tank is through a power filter. Power filters force water through filtration media. The media provide surfaces for bacterial growth. The bacteria then feed on the waste products from the marine specimens in the tank. This reduces toxins in the water. Further reduction of toxins can be enhanced by the addition of live rock and deep sand beds.

Things You'll Need

  • Power filter system
  • Filter media
  • Tubes and hoses to fit
  • Power source
  • Aquarium test kit
  • Tools for changing water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Power filters typically have two or more filtration media which must be placed in the filter. There may be a charcoal component which is enclosed in mesh. Charcoal should be rinsed with clear water before placing in the filter. There may be a gravel substrate also enclosed in a mesh or net, and a filter medium which may look like a coarse sponge or like a furnace filter-type material. Place these in the pump in layers if it is a canister pump, and in their slotted holders in a side-mount pump.

    • 2

      Attach the proper tubing. Side-mount pumps typically have a tube inserted into the tank. This tube generally curves in shepherd's crook fashion at the top of the pump and then inserts over the pumping mechanism. Canister pumps will have an intake side and an outflow side. The outflow side usually has a wider opening so that, as it disperses filtered water, air is forced into the water as well. Check that the canister is hooked up to the correct hoses. There is usually a marking on the lid indicating which tubing to connect.

    • 3

      Set the filter system in the desired position with the hoses mounted on the tank.

    • 4

      Fill the filtration area with water. If the filter is a canister, check that the gasket is intact and in place. Place the lid on the canister and fasten in place securely. Check again that the hose inlet and outlet are properly fixed on the tank.

    • 5

      Connect the power filter to the power source. Turn the filter on and immediately check for leaking or spilling from the filter and from the marine tank. If there are leaks or spills, turn off the power filter and adjust tubes, gasket or other problems that may exist.

    • 6

      Allow the power filter to run continuously. It will take two to eight weeks or longer for the system to build up enough bacteria to effectively remove waste products from the water. During this time, check the water using the aquarium test kit. If nitrites are too high, you will need to do a partial water change of 1/4 to 1/3 of the volume in the marine tank. There are commercial pump systems or siphon systems that can be used for this. You will probably need a bucket as well. Check that your replacement water has the same amount of salt and other minerals as the water you are removing. Check that water is about the same temperature. Do not clean or replace components of the power filter at this time.

    • 7

      After 10 to 12 weeks have passed, you may notice the power filter losing volume. If this happens, you may need to clean the filter. Turn off the filter and, if it's a side-mount system, rinse out or replace one or more of the power filter components. If you are using a canister system, turn off the power, close the flow valves, and remove the canister to a sink. Remove and rinse some or all of the components. Try to avoid replacing all of the components at the same time if at all possible. The slimy goo in the power filter is actually the bacteria you have been hoping would grow. It would be detrimental to the ecosystem to remove it all. You have to find a balance that will allow the water to flow through the power filter, but will not eradicate your helpful bacteria.