How To Get Past The Minimum Water Line On My Filter

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

Hey all. I have been using my neew gravel vacuum and have noticed that the water drains way to quickly to get alot of gunk out before it hits the minimum water line on my filter. I have a hang on Whisper EX 70 and it can't go below a certain point or else it wont be able to suck in water. What should I do so that I can get past it.

 

[Man of fish]

Unplug it during maintenance. Your supposed to anyway.

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

Why am I supposed to unplug it and wouldn't the bacteria die?

 

[Man of fish]

Just plug it back in right after you put the water back in.

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

so they will be ok for ten minutes?

 

[thereverendturtle]

Yes. Even longer.

 

[FishFanatic04]

Sometimes mine has to be unplugged for a half hour or more but I just make sure it stays wet

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

so I should just make sure there is water in it.

 

[Cazgar]

Always unplug the filter & heater while doing water changes or vaccing.

 

[coldcazzie]

As long as the sponges are wet they'll be ok unplugged for several hours, perhaps even up to a day. Definitely turn your filter off during water changes unless they are very small (ie, in the region of 10-15%). How do you do your filter maintenance if you don't turn your filter off?

 

[CezzaXV]

The bacteria die off at a rate of around 12% every 24 hours if the filter is off. 10 minutes is nothing.

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

ok then. before now I did it with the filter on but that was in my 10 gallon so i guess i can turn off my filter when i clean my 55 gallon.