Introduction
The mechanical filter is an important part of keeping your freshwater aquarium operating correctly. So proper maintenance and cleaning is very important.
Purpose Of Mechanical Filter
Your mechanical serves many purposes in keeping the water in your freshwater aquarium safe for your fish. Here are some of the functions it serves:
Bio-Wheel- The Bio-Wheel is an important part of keeping your aquarium operating properly. Not only does it remove small particles but it also builds up a bacteria colony that removes ammonia and nitrites.Filter Pad- The filter pad removes large debris particles from your aquarium.Activated Carbon- Activated carbon is used to remove tannins leached from driftwood you have in your aquarium and foul odors that can build up in your tank.Aeration- Your mechanical filter does give a small amount of aeration to your aquarium.
Weekly Cleaning
When you do your weekly water replacements, you should do some maintenance on your mechanical filter. If your Bio-Wheel is not turning you should clean the rotors with a small cotton swab. Also pull on the axles slightly to loosen them up. These actions will allow your Bio-Wheel to turn freely.
Also clean the pad off to free it of large debris. Do this by rinsing the pad with warm water. Do not use any chemicals such as soap to clean the pad because it can contaminate your aquarium's water.
Monthly Cleaning
On a monthly routine you should replace the filter pad with a fresh one. This not only puts a fresh clean pad in but will also put new activated carbon in your system.
You should also take your Bio-Wheel out and rinse it in the tank to remove any particles. This action will not only remove particles but will keep the beneficial bacteria that are growing on your wheel.
Other than freeing up the Bio-Wheel's axle, to allow it to rotate freely, and the monthly rinsing, no other action is needed. Do not replace the wheel unless it is damaged, because you will lose a large part of your bacteria colony.
If you do have to replace the wheel place the damaged wheel in the bottom of your aquarium till the new wheel builds up with bacteria. This minimizes the impact of losing more bacteria than is necessary.
Conclusion
You should perform routine maintenance on your mechanical filter such as cleaning and periodic replacement of the filter's pad
If you want more information on how to keep an aquarium, download a free eBook, titled "15 Tips On Building And Maintaining An Aquarium", at http://www.squidoo.com/homefreshwateraquariums or at Your Home Freshwater Aquarium.
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