aquarium filter operation duration?

Question

Hi. I've just bought a new aquarium filter, I wanted to know, for how long should it be on? is it supposed to run 24 hours a day?

Answer 1

You need to keep it on 24/7. Besides filtering the water, it adds oxygen through water movement that your fish need. Also, there are bacteria in the gravel and on the filter pad that convert ammonia and nitrite in the water (both toxic to fish) to nitrate (not toxic in moderate amount). These bacteria also need oxygen and to be kept wet, otherwise they die.

Answer 2

Can you tell us what type of filter it is? IF they are having a hard time swimming through it, getting a divider will help, or get an 'aquarium sponge' meant for filters, I prefer Aqua clear sponges. Get a pair of scissors and just cut a slit in the middle of the top side of it, then stick the intake pipe into the slit, and voila. By doing this the fish wont get stuck, so even if it's tiring, at least they wont get sucked up. Most filters have a way to turn it to low, check if there is a top piece or back piece which makes the filter lower. My fish liked the flow, they got used to it, but they ended up dying sadly, never trust guppies and tetras.

Answer 3

It has to run for 24 hrs, 7 days.

Do not switch off the filter (except when you are cleaning it, by taking it out, if its a internal filter) else all the sucked in dirt and filth will slowly seep back from the sponge into your tank through reverse osmosis.
:-)

Answer 4

My husband leaves his going 24/7. The current never stops in a body of water, and part of the function of the filter is to keep the water circulating, if it isn't circulating for a few hours, the fish can die.

Answer 5

Keep it on at all times! The only time I turn mine off is to do a water change and clean the filter out, that's it!

Answer 6

You should keep it on 24/7. That way it'll clean the water during the night hours when you aren't awake.

~ZTM

Answer 7

ALL the time!!