Setting up a new fish tank takes a lot of time, research, and money. For that reason, you will want your tank to look pristine and clear at all times. However, most people are not sure how to achieve this. There are several things that you can do to help your tank stay beautiful and your filtration system plays a large role in this.
There is a large amount of debate amongst the experts regarding filtration practices. Some people believe that your filter should stay on for the majority of the time while others believe that it is better to switch off the clearing systems before you go to sleep at night. The reason for this is that many tank owners are afraid that their expensive systems will burn out if they are constantly left on.
The good news is that you can leave all of the systems in your tank running without fear of them becoming damaged. In fact, it is highly recommended
that your tank remains on to make sure that there are no fluctuations in water quality that may harm your pets. Many fish require a constant stream of clean, oxygenated water to remain in an optimum condition. When you switch the filtration off for extended periods of time the water becomes stagnant and is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Additionally, the good bacteria in these systems need running water to be able to metabolize the harmful ammonia in the water that is released during the nitrogen cycle.
Leaving your filtration systems on without turning them off is no longer a cause for concern. Most of these systems will be submerged in the water meaning the motor will always be kept cool. This eliminates the concern for a burnt out motor that had people switching their tanks off in the past. Due to the advances in technology used in fish tanks you may be able to leave the clearing systems on indefinitely with little to no issues. All that these systems really require is some maintenance on a regular basis and infrequent cleanings.
If a clear and healthy fish tank is your top priority then it is essential that you leave the filtration systems on as long as possible. Leaving them on will not cause any issues for your fish or your tank. The only requirement to keep these expensive systems running smoothly is cleaning and maintenance.