I'm pretty new to tank/aquarium.Given the fact that this tank is small and so is the filter, how often do I need to clean and change the entire water?
249635
I do mine once a week I have a betta in it it is only big enough for one fish
249636
Be sure to read up on aquarium keeping and especially the nitrogen cycle if you want to attempt this tank. There is no set rule as to how often to clean or "change" a tank, it depends on many variables and without understanding a cycled vs an uncycled aquarium you will be clueless. Small tanks are not easier, they are actually much less forgiving with the fish suffering greatly for even small mistakes. BTW- the bio-filter on this is actually quite large and enough for a tank 10x this size, but filter size does not really have much to do with how much or how often one does water changes. Be sure to read up on aquarium keeping and especially the nitrogen cycle if you want to attempt this tank. There is no set rule as to how often to clean or "change" a tank, it depends on many variables and without understanding a cycled vs an uncycled aquarium you will be clueless. Small tanks are not easier, they are actually much less forgiving with the fish suffering greatly for even small mistakes. BTW- the bio-filter on this is actually quite large and enough for a tank 10x this size, but filter size does not really have much to do with how much or how often one does water... » Read More Be sure to read up on aquarium keeping and especially the nitrogen cycle if you want to attempt this tank. There is no set rule as to how often to clean or "change" a tank, it depends on many variables and without understanding a cycled vs an uncycled aquarium you will be clueless. Small tanks are not easier, they are actually much less forgiving with the fish suffering greatly for even small mistakes. BTW- the bio-filter on this is actually quite large and enough for a tank 10x this size, but filter size does not really have much to do with how much or how often one does water changes. « Show Less
249637
A properly cycled tank should NEVER get a FULL water change. Once a week change 25% (50% when necessary)of the water with a gravel vaccuum and add a biological supplement like API Quick Start by pouring it over the filter. Change carbon every 4 weeks, biomax at 6 months, and foam at one year. Rinse Bio and foam (not at the same time) every 6 weeks when changing water.
245875
You need to replace the sponges IMMEDIATELY with a better filter medium. Look through the reviews and you will find what to use. Otherwise this is a great, quiet little filter for very small aquariums.
363199
I change mine every 6 months but it depends on the hardness of your water. The filter can not be serviced. I usually recycle it with my plastics.
282065
The filter should be replaced at least one a month or sooner depending on where the water bowl is placed. Mine is outside and the sunlight will cause algie growth and you have to clean the entire setup every two weeks. If it stays in the house once a month should be fine.
209549
Yes, you can rinse it. Just be sure to use cold water, never hot. When I had large Oscars I would have to clean the tank every two weeks and I would scrub the filters with my hand under cold water to clean them up. Now I have just one small Oscar so I just replace them once a month.
1432188
I clean mine more frequently but that is different for every system. I usually get 3-4 cleanings per filter and I know it is time to throw it away when the pressure stays high after cleaning.
1334636
I change the water every week and rinse the filter. So once a month I change the filter unless it looks dirty before.
2058058
I don't currently have that problem here but at my previous residence I used vinegar to clean the top and the tool to scale the tank input if you have very hard water you may want to use a filter.
536315
It often depends on how clean your filters are. Our water has a lot of minerals in it. I change my filters every 3 weeks. A full tank with clean filters lasts about 12 hours. With dirty filters, the tank never empties properly. The water can't get through the clogged filters. I always run my humidifier on high, and I keep my humidifier clean. Breathing for me is always easier with properly humidified air.
878392
It has one they recommend include and it does need replacing. The down side I found was how often you have to soak the unit in vinegar to get rid I the minerals in the water. You can also soak the filter to prolong life but sooner than you would want , it falls apart. This machine performs really well, but, with refilling the tank and cleaning, it's a lot of maintainence. However, it think they all are.
1784123
You probably need to clean the filter every week until it seems cleaner. It is never completely cleaned but you can see through the water. Hope that helps.
1403284
I don't use mine all that much, but I haven't had to replace the filter yet. I do clean it after each use, but that's easy enough to do.
1029898
The water will need to be changed once a month about 25% of the water. The filters last quite a while because the filter system is actually designed for a 5 gallon aquarium. Once you notice the filter over filling that's when you change it
217871
The instructions say that once you have a clean tank, you need to use it "periodically" to keep your tank clean. I presume the frequency you use it depends on your water (e.g., well water, city water, conditioned water, etc.). The type of water you have going into your tank may make a considerable difference in how often you need to use it. I have a water softener, so the water going into my tank is softened and I need to use the toilet tank cleaner infrequently. Someone with hard water going into their tank will likely need to use it much more frequently. Just check your tank once in a while and you'll know when it's time to use it again. Hope that answers your question.
547657
Cleaning the tank depends on the water you are putting through it. If you water is coming from the tap and you don't have hard water, I would think that once a month is enough. I have been cleaning mine once a month and the tank is never really dirty nor are the rods.
1862263
We have a 20 gallon Mud turtle tank and depending on weather, hot more often, I change the two filters after 3-4 weeks and again when cleaning the tank at about 6 weeks. Smaller tank, smaller filters may differ so hope this helps. Barbara
1541322
I've had it for only a month but it's a hard wintertime and air indoors is very dry and full tank is good for no more than 20 hours. I cleaned the filter after 3 weeks but I will do it every 2 to be safe with my hard water.