I have 2 large (about 6" long) fish. They look like some kind of catfish .. more or less bottom feeders. I also have 2 4" red fin sharks. I need to do some work to the aquarium. What will happen if i unplug the filter? How long can i leave it unplugged??
thanks
2006-12-14 03:20:50 · 9 answers · asked by lisamarie_625 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
They'll be fine long enough for you to do some work on the aquarium, definitely. I wouldn't leave a filter off more than a day. One of my filters is iffy and it turns off sometimes in the middle of day, and I don't notice it till I get back, and there are no ill effects.
2006-12-14 03:24:10 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Turning off a filter for more than an hour or two can be a real problem if the aerobic (oxygen breathing) bacteria living in it don't get enough oxygen to live. If they die, or (as some can) change into anaerobic (non-oxygen breathing) bacteria they can produce toxic chemicals and pockets of toxic gas in the filter. Then, when you turn it back on, you pump all the toxins into your tank.
You don't need to unplug the filter, just do your work and if any debris is stirred up, the filter will pick it up and collect it. Wait about an hour after you do your work in the tank and then rinse the filter cartridge off or replace the filter media (floss).
2006-12-14 04:20:18 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
specific they could you look like a stable betta keeper yet there are fish that stay to tell the story 2-3 years at times with comparable tank situations. As for nutrition betta and different fish quite in uncomplicated terms devour some circumstances a week interior the wild when you consider that they actully could desire to seek and forage their own nutrition so fasting them some days might do no harm basically feed them befor you go away yet to not plenty because of the fact the filters would be off.
2016-10-14 22:37:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually those kinds of fish do not need a filter at all. They do need a pump to circulate oxygen though. The filter keeps the water cleaner and since you have catfish that's not even necessary.
2006-12-14 03:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
longer than you could survive without air. fortunately for the fish, but I wouldn't leave it un-plugged for more than a day or two.
2006-12-14 03:59:37 · answer #5 · answered by badbill1941 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Catfish are tough....they'll be ok for a day or so
2006-12-14 03:23:28 · answer #6 · answered by John C 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
atually you can leave the filter off indefinitely. they do help to keep the tank clean but you can go quite a while without any problems.
2006-12-14 03:35:47 · answer #7 · answered by fn_49@hotmail.com 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋
they'll be perfectly fine for at least a few hours.
2006-12-14 03:22:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Fresh or saltwater?
2006-12-14 03:28:19 · answer #9 · answered by Mike Hunt 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋