How do I clean my aquarium filter?

In this article, we offer you a detailed guide to understand how your aquarium filter works, know the ideal cleaning frequency, understand the importance of beneficial bacteria and avoid common mistakes. Follow these tips to maintain healthy water and a stable environment for your fish.

1. Understanding How the Filter Works

The filter plays a crucial role in the balance of your aquarium. Here are the essential points to know about waste in freshwater aquariums:

1.1 Waste and Ammonia Generation

• Waste sources : In a freshwater aquarium, there are several sources of waste that contribute to poor water quality if not managed properly. Fish continually produce excrement and mucus, while uneaten food settles to the bottom to slowly decompose. Plants, both living and decaying, also release organic particles into the water. Added to this is dust and residue from substrate and decorations, as well as microorganisms that form biofilm.
• Ammonia degradation : Ammonia degradation is a crucial process for maintaining fish health and ecosystem balance. Produced by the decomposition of organic waste – fish excrement, uneaten food and decaying plant matter – ammonia is highly toxic even at low concentrations. To counter this danger, the nitrification process takes place thanks to specialized nitrifying bacteria. First, bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas transform ammonia into nitrites, substances that are still dangerous for the aquarium inhabitants. Then, bacteria of the genus Nitrobacter convert these nitrites into nitrates, which are much less harmful and can be managed through regular water changes. This degradation cycle is essential to maintain optimal water quality and ensure a stable and healthy environment for all organisms in the freshwater aquarium.

Nitrification and denitrification of nitrogen. Biological cycle of nitrogen.

With a filter correctly sized for your volume, waste and ammonia will be treated efficiently using foams and filter media.

1.2 The Role of Nitrifying Bacteria

At the heart of the filter, specific bacteria play a determining role in the nitrogen cycle:

• Conversion of ammonia : Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites (also toxic), then into nitrates.
• Nitrate management : THEnitrifying bacteria play an essential role in maintaining the balance of your aquarium. By transforming ammonia, produced by the decomposition of organic waste from fish, plants and food, into nitrites and then nitrates, they establish the nitrogen cycle essential to the health of your aquatic ecosystem. These bacteria, particularly the genera Nitrosomonas And Nitrobacter, protect your fish by converting highly toxic substances into less harmful compounds, while facilitating their elimination during water changes. Maintaining these microorganisms by avoiding excessive cleaning or the use of chlorinated water in the filter is essential to ensure a stable and healthy environment for your aquatic residents.

Bacterial balance is essential. Cleaning too aggressively can destroy these beneficial colonies and disrupt your aquarium's ecosystem.

2. Frequency of Cleaning and Water Renewal

To ensure the longevity of your filter and the health of your fish, it is essential to follow a regular maintenance routine.

2.1 Cleaning the Filter

Practical advice:

• Monthly cleaning : As a general rule, clean your filter once a month.
• Always use aquarium water : Avoid tap water that contains chlorine, as it can kill off beneficial bacteria. Use the removed aquarium water when changing the water.
• Progressive cleaning : Do not clean all the filter media at the same time so as not to disturb the entire bacterial colony.

2.2 Water Renewal

• 25% change : During maintenance, perform a partial 25% water renewal to eliminate accumulated nitrates. You can during the changeadd bacteria to optimize the colonies in your aquarium.

3. Maintenance of Filter Media

Each type of filtration media requires special attention. Here is a detailed overview:

3.1 Mosses

• Cleaning : Rinse the foam in a container of aquarium water. Attention : Do not squeeze it to preserve the good bacteria.
• Replacement : Change the foam when its pores are saturated or damaged.
• The role of mosses in aquariums:Mosses, in a freshwater aquarium, combine mechanical and biological filtration functions. Their porous structure provides a large colonization surface for nitrifying bacteria, essential for the transformation of ammonia into nitrites and then nitrates, thus helping to maintain the balance of the nitrogen cycle. By retaining suspended particles and capturing organic debris, they actively participate in water purification, thus reducing the risk of accumulation of toxic substances. In addition, mosses provide a natural refuge for many microorganisms and small invertebrates, promoting biodiversity within the aquatic ecosystem. To preserve their filtering properties and the bacterial life associated with them, it is recommended to clean them gently with water taken directly from the aquarium.

Find all our filtration foams in our section "Aquarium Filter Foams".

3.2 Activated Carbon

• Mandatory replacement : Activated carbon must be replaced during each maintenance, as it does not clean itself or regenerate.
• The role of activated carbon in an aquarium: Activated carbon, thanks to its exceptional absorbent properties, plays a vital role in purifying the water of a freshwater aquarium. By effectively capturing and retaining a wide range of unwanted substances such as organic residues, pigments, medications and other toxins, it helps to clarify the water and neutralize unpleasant odors. This process helps prevent the accumulation of harmful compounds that could compromise the health of the fish and the stability of the aquatic ecosystem. It is important to note, however, that activated carbon quickly becomes loaded and loses its effectiveness, requiring regular replacement to ensure optimal conditions in your aquarium.

Find our selection of coals in our section "Activated carbon for aquariums".

3.3 Cotton wool

• Single use : Cotton wool should be thrown away and replaced with each cleaning, as it does not retain essential bacteria.
• The role of cotton wool in an aquarium:Cotton wool, used as a mechanical filtration media in a freshwater aquarium, plays a role in maintaining clear and healthy water. Thanks to its dense texture, it effectively traps fine particles, organic debris and other impurities released by fish, uneaten food or decomposing plants. Although it does not directly promote the development of nitrifying bacteria colonies, cotton wool helps reduce the organic load by capturing suspended elements, which helps maintain the balance of the nitrogen cycle. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to replace the cotton wool regularly during maintenance, thus preventing it from becoming a reservoir of waste that can compromise the quality of the water and the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Find all our filtration wadding in our section "Aquarium cotton wool and beads".

3.4 Filtration Ceramics

• Periodic maintenance : Rinse ceramics with aquarium water every 2 to 3 months to prevent excessive debris buildup.
• The role of Filtration Ceramics in aquarium:Ceramic filters provide a large surface area ideal for the development of nitrifying bacteria. By providing a dual function of mechanical and biological filtration, they effectively retain suspended particles while promoting the nitrogen cycle, transforming ammonia and nitrites into less harmful nitrates. This sustainable biological support thus helps maintain a healthy balance in the aquatic ecosystem, while contributing to water clarity. To maintain their effectiveness, it is recommended to clean them with aquarium water every two to three months, so as not to disturb the bacterial colony essential to water quality.

Find our selection of ceramics in our section "Aquarium Filtration Ceramics".

3.5 Anti-phosphates

• Periodic maintenance: In case of use of anti-phosphate resin, the rate must not exceed 0.4 mg/l. It must be changed when it is saturated. Like carbon, it cannot be cleaned and does not regenerate.
• The role of anti-phosphate resin in aquariums:Phosphate-reducing resin plays a role in reducing phosphate levels, which are often responsible for excessive algae blooms. By adsorbing phosphate ions present in the water, this resin, based on iron or aluminum oxide, helps to limit their concentration, thus preventing the appearance of an excess of nutrients that could unbalance the aquatic ecosystem. This action not only helps to preserve the clarity of the water, but also improves the health of plants and fish by creating an environment less conducive to the growth of harmful algae.

Find all our anti-phosphate resins in our section "Anti phosphates for aquarium".

4. Cleaning the Filter Pump

The pump is the driving force of the filtration system. Its proper functioning is essential and must be monitored and cleaned regularly:

• Rotor fouling : If the pump stops, makes noise or has a loss of flow, there is a good chance that the rotor is clogged. Then open the motor unit of your filter, referring to its user manual, and carefully clean the turbine and its axis.
• Limestone treatment : If limescale deposits are visible, remove the rotor and pump body. Soak them in a solution of water and white vinegar, then rinse them thoroughly with aquarium water before replacing them.
• Rotor replacement: If the rotor and the axle are damaged, it must be changed. Each manufacturer offers spare parts for replacing this element. Find them in our section "spare parts".

5. Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure the effectiveness of your filtration system, it is essential to avoid certain common errors:

• Use tap water : The chlorine contained in this water destroys the bacteria essential to the nitrogen cycle. Prefer osmosis water produced usinga reverse osmosis system.
• Clean all media simultaneously : This can eliminate a significant portion of the beneficial bacteria.
• Press the foams : Gentle agitation is enough to rid the foam of particles without damaging its pores.
• Forgetting to rinse well : Be sure to thoroughly rinse the bottom of the filter and the pump after each cleaning.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining your aquarium filter is the key to maintaining clean and balanced water, ensuring the health of your fish. To summarize:

• Clean your filter once a month.
• Use only aquarium water for cleaning.
• Rinse the filter media gradually to preserve the beneficial bacteria.
• Perform a 25% water change to remove nitrates.
• Maintain the pump regularly to avoid malfunctions.

By following these guidelines, you will contribute to the stability of your aquarium's ecosystem and provide your fish with an optimal environment.

Feel free to check out our products and follow this guide for impeccable maintenance of your aquatic equipment. For more tips and advice, explore our other articles on aquariums.

Good maintenance and to your aquariums !