How to Clean an Aquarium Filter

Filters help keep large aquariums clean, but if not cleaned your aquarium can start to smell.

Aquarium filters are integral in keeping your aquarium clean for whatever pet you are housing in it, like turtles or fish. Filters help to clean the water in your tank on a constant basis, so that grime and algae don't build up in your pet's environment. These cleaning devices also require cleaning themselves, which is why knowing how to keep the filter clean in your aquarium can make all the difference in how the filter keeps the rest of your pet's home in tip top shape.

Things You'll Need

• Cup
• Large bowl
• Aquarium water
• Filter brush

Instructions

1. Scoop out three cups of water from your aquarium and pour it into a large bowl. Cleaning the sponge of your filter with water your fish is used to already can make the transition from a slightly dirty environment to a cleaner one a little easier.

2. Unplug your filter and remove it from the tank. Remove the sponge from your filter and clean it with the tank water, removing any build up. Put buildup aside on a paper towel to throw away, instead of in your bowl of water, as you'll want to use this water for future cleaning.

3. Dip a filter brush into your clean water and scrub the outside of your filter and inside the tubes. Dip your filter brush back into the water to rinse and continue cleaning the rest of your filter.

4. Replace water in your aquarium, then place the filter back in its spot and turn it on.

Tips & Warnings

• Some filters also come with a mesh filter that accompanies the sponge. If so, simply remove and clean as you would the sponge.

• Clean your filter every two to four weeks, depending on your specific pet's needs, as some require less cleaning and more algae buildup.

• Check the instruction manual that accompanies your filter to insure that no special steps or cleaning tools are needed to clean that specific filter.

• Never try to clean filters with any sort of chemical cleaning solution. Even if thoroughly rinsed, small remnants of the solution can still sit on the filter and harm your pet.

References

• How To Clean Stuff: How To Clean An Aquarium Filter