Sage-Tips

Do I need activated carbon in my aquarium?

In general, using activated carbon in your filter is a good thing, but not a necessity. It is just an additional expense since the carbon needs to be replaced every month. The carbon in a recirculating filter system will also act as a home to the beneficial bacteria that turn ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate.

Do you need chemical filtration in aquarium?

Chemical filtration is mostly useful for dealing with short-term problems, such as removing medications after they’ve served their purpose, or purifying tap water before it goes into a tank. A healthy tank DOES NOT require the use of chemical filters as activated carbon. ALL FISH TANKS MUST HAVE BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION.

Does a filter keep a fish tank clean?

The short and definitive answer is yes! A filter basically cleans the water of debris, removes the toxic buildup of ammonia and nitrates, and aerates the water so your fish can breathe. Sure, with very simple tanks, you can remove the fish, clean the tank, replace the water, then return the fish.

What is mechanical filtration in a fish tank?

Mechanical filtration physically traps particles of uneaten food, fish waste, decayed plant materials, and other debris in the aquarium water. Mechanical filtration is the first stage of the filtration process, and should always be placed so that water coming from the tank hits this media first.

How often should I change the carbon in my fish tank?

You will need to replace your carbon every 3-4 weeks as it will become deactivated after this time. However, the time it takes for your carbon to deactivate will depend largely upon your specific setup. If you start to detect odors or see a slight yellowing of your water, it is time to replace the carbon.

What is the difference between mechanical and biological filtration?

In mechanical filtration, the filter physically separates and removes any wastes or solids. In biological filtration, we use help from bacteria. Beneficial (nitrifying) bacteria detoxify and purify the water.

What is aquarium biological filter?

Biological filtration is the action of bacteria in the tank breaking down dangerous ammonia, converting them to nitrites, and then the nitrites to the less toxic nitrates. The process of biological filtration, also known as the nitrogen cycle, involves the movement of harmful wastes through the filter.

How often should fish tank water be changed?

every two to four weeks
You should do a 25\% water change every two to four weeks. There is no reason to remove the fish during the water change. Make sure you stir the gravel or use a gravel cleaner during the water change. When adding water back in to the aquarium, use Tetra AquaSafe® to remove the chlorine and chloramine.