Filters (Again)

[Frederick]

Hi all....my tank is a Jewel,Vision 160 40gal.Bow front. The tank comprises one Jewel internal filter
and I have.just added a Tetra x600 external. My question is, would it be advisable or safe to switch the external off at night or must both filters be left on permanently.
Advice appreciated please.... Frederick.

 

[scotty]

they must be left on,or the beneficial bacteria will die off

 

[Rummynose]

When you turn off a filter, the bacteria in it starts dying since it can't get it's supply of ammonia!

 

[soybean]

Well now hang on a minute.

Filter bacteria die off at a rate of about 10% a day, I believe.

If external is well matured and the internal is running alongside it 24/7, I do wonder if turning the external off for say 8 hrs overnight, on a timer, would be THAT detrimental to the bacteria and the tank in general.

My filters have been off about 18 hrs after failing to restart after a power cut once, with no effect on the water readings.

I don't recommend you do it, because I think it's better to keep it running while it is a new filter with little bacteria, but I don't think it would have that drastic an effect to do it with a fully mature filter. Just my opinion!