Quick aquarium filter question

jonnyj

Hi all, Ive just set up an aquarium for tropical fish in my bedroom. (I live in rented accomodation with 3 others and so it's the best place to keep it). My question is do I need to have the filter running constantly or can I plug it out at night (and get some sleep)? If I do plug it out will it affect the heater i.e. does water need to be constantly circulating. The filter would be off for 8 hours approx.

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

Noopti

I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure you will need to keep it on? Do some filters not also oxygenate the water or something?

Arcadian

The filters must run 24/7 in order for the bacteria to live.

molly(",)

yes leave it on all the time but to be honest had a few tanks myself and the filters were never that loud are u sure its not an air pump which sits outside the tank??

ValerieR

Yes, the filter needs to run 24/7/365 in your tank. The beneficial bacteria would die otherwise. In the same way, if you have a long power cut (more than 2hrs), you need to organise something to keep the oxygen going through the filter.
If it's particularly noisy, check that the filter isn't vibrating against the side of the tank or something. A 'normal' filter hums gently, it should be too noisy.
The heater doesn't make any noise and I would also recommend you keep it plugged in.
The lights can be switched off though :-)

Hope this helps.
ValerieR
www.irishfishkeepers.com

jonnyj

Thats great thanks for your help.