Checking the Filter

The filters are among the most important items in the aquarium. As you know, it filters
out the waste, thus trapping most of the waste and toxic materials. Mechanical filters
need to be cleaned every 2-4 weeks; or more often if large debris become stuck. Never
clean your filter too often. This will destroy the bacteria culture in the filter and prevent itfrom working properly. It is for the same reason important to never use hot water when
cleaning your filter. Some bacteria must be allowed to survive in the filter and re-colonize
it. When the waste deposit near the filter becomes high, then filtration becomes
ineffective. When using mechanical filters, you need to check whether the system is
working properly every day to ensure water quality. If you discover the filter for some
reason has been turned of you’ll need to clean it before turning it on again. This is due to
the fact that the filter may contain toxic water after being turned of. The toxin is created
when the oxygen is depleted when no new water is pumped into it. If you start the filter
without cleaning it, the toxin is released into the water and might harm or kill the fish in
the aquarium.