How to clean the filter of a biOrb aquarium?

How to clean the filter of a biOrb aquarium?

Cleaning foam from the filter of a biOrb aquarium should be done weekly. Also, it is crucial to change it every 4-6 weeks depending on the number of fish and the type of aquarium you have. In this article, you will learn how to clean the filter of a biOrb aquarium without destabilizing the water quality. But first, we will explain why the maintenance of your filter is essential!

How does filtration work in an aquarium?

In order to understand how filtration works, you need to know all the stages of waste transformation. For this, we will discover the nitrogen cycle.

First of all, the excess food and the marine animals in your aquarium will create waste which will turn into ammonia (a very toxic substance for your fish). Then, these residues in suspension in the water will be deposited on the filter thanks to its suction. Subsequently, bacteria called nitrosomonas will transform the ammonia into nitrites. Finally, bacteria called nitrobacters will change nitrites into nitrates which will be partially absorbed by your plants.

Which plants are the most effective at absorbing nitrates?

The most nitrate-intensive species of aquatic plants are stem plants and fast-growing plants:

• Limnophila aromatica;
• Myriophyllum;
• Ceratophyllum;
• Egeria dense;
• Bacopa caroliniana;
• Cabomba aquatica…

In addition, be aware that nitrates are less toxic than nitrites for fish. On the other hand, shrimps are very sensitive to it. Anyway, cleaning the filter of a biOrb aquarium will allow the whole biotope to live in a clean and healthy environment.

How to clean the filter of a biOrb aquarium?

There is nothing easier than cleaning the filter of a biOrb aquarium. Every week, run the filter under water to clean excess dirt from the foam. Then, every 4 to 6 weeks depending on the population of your aquarium, change the filter. This manipulation will not take you more than 3 minutes!

Start by unscrewing the old filter from the air column. Normally, it will have absorbed some of the nitrates and phosphates from the water for a month. From then on, it will be unable to absorb any more waste. It will therefore be necessary to use a new one. For optimal filtration, the biOrb filter cartridge should be replaced every 1-2 months.

Here is a 3-step method to change your biOrb filter:

1. Remove the old filter cartridge;
2. Replace the used filter with a new filter;
3. Screw the new filter into the air column.

Cleaning the filter of a biOrb aquarium: what to remember!

Unlike a river, an aquarium is a closed ecosystem. Filtering your water is therefore essential for your fish to swim in clear and safe water. Therefore, it is important to remember that you should never turn off your aquarium filter, even at night. Otherwise, you risk killing all the good bacteria in your filter. And that would be a shame!

In the same way, cleaning and changing your biOrb filter regularly will prevent the quality of your water from deteriorating and will allow your fish to breathe peacefully.

Need more advice on how to maintain your new biOrb aquarium and take care of your fish? Browse the other articles on our blog to become an aquarium ace.