nothing urgent, just wanted to know daily, how long can you keep your filter off until bad things happen? i know you shouldnt leave em on 24/7. need to know because the tank is in my room and the filter is hard to sleep with. ive got a timer with me so i can set up the hours and everything.

so how long can i keep it off for? i can probably run a cycle of hours when i know im going to be asleep cuz im a deep sleeper. any help is appreciated!

reendragon wrote:



im not sure where you picked that kernel of information but your filters should be run 24/7 on your tank to keep your water in check.


as for how long you can have a filter not run and still keep the beneficial bacteria alive i personally wouldnt go more than an hour.


also if your filter is to loud then perhaps you should look into getting a better quality filter for your tank. in my fish room i have 5 filter running continuously and the only noise i have is a very quiet hum in the background.......

Kevin, DO NOT turn your filter off unless you absolutely have to!!!

You run the rusk of your water becoming toxic, and losing the good bacteria in your filter. Mine have all been on 24/7 for years...

thanks so much guys! that wouldave been bad well i have an internal filter and its a little big so water splashes because the nozzle is out. well i turned the filter sideways along the wall of the tank and since its submerged completely its quite, but it just looks completely ridiculous.

thank god im already saving up for a completely new setup!!!

thanks again sooo much guys

oh and by the way i got that filter thing off another website... just cant trust them

what kind of filter is this and whats it rated for?

johnnyphoenix wrote:


Good point. I have not seen to many internal filters rated above 30g

A good canister filter should be quiet enough for you to sleep well. Chances are the air pump will keep you awake

first time to hear that concept: shutting off the filter for a while
without any reason.... i would not recommend that...