How Often Should I Be Cleaning My Filter?

[logansmil]

Hi there

I am currently cycling my 160L tank. Everything seems to be going well, but I noticed today that the water is not crystal clear. It looks like dust is in the water and I was thinking it could be because I haven't cleaned the filter.

I was under the impression that because I am cycling and trying to build up bacteria, the filter shouldn't be cleaned.

Am I right?

I'd be very greatful for some advice.

Thanks

 

[Skins]

Hello,
How are you cycling your aquarium fishless(h/h ammonia/food) or fish-in-cycle?
How long have you been cycling?
What filter are you using?
Have you done any water changes?
What are your water parameters?

You are right to leave your filter alone, so you can build up the A&N bacs.

Keep us posted, Skins.

 

[logansmil]

Hello,
How are you cycling your aquarium fishless(h/h ammonia/food) or fish-in-cycle?
How long have you been cycling?
What filter are you using?
Have you done any water changes?
What are your water parameters?

You are right to leave your filter alone, so you can build up the A&N bacs.

Keep us posted, Skins.

Hello Skins Thanks for you reply.

I am doing an fish-in cycle. Started on the 3rd September. I have an Aqua One tank which comes with its own filter system. I do water changes everyday (between 10-15%). Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0, Nitrate=20 and PH 7.4


I have four fishes in the tank now as I had to remove five of them (after realising how much space was requuired for goldfish. One of the fishes I believe has swim bladder so I did not feed them for three days. This morning I fed them peas and will continue to do this for the next two days.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Logansmil

 

[Skins]

Would i be right in thinking your tank is cycled, how long have you been getting the readings you just gave me?
I've never used peas yet but may be the waste that the fish have past from eating them is the reason for the cloudy water.
You can also check that you have a good flow coming from the filters outlet nozzle. If the flow is poor then you can very lightly swish the filter media in a bucket of tank water.
You may find that the cloudy water or as you said in your first post, small particles(dust like) may settle down on its own accord.

Skins.