Does a fish tank need to have the filter on at all times?

Question

Does a fish tank need to have the filter on at all times?

Answer 1

24/7, unless you are cleaning it or something. The filter cleans the water, as well as being in tandem with the pump, which adds oxygen to the water.

Answer 2

you don't HAVE to keep it on...but it is definitely beneficial to your tank to keep it on 24/7. Tons of good bacteria live in filter sponges and they die when the filter is switched off.

Keeping filter on also helps keep your water clean which of course means you'll have happier fish.

Answer 3

No, but it would better to keep it on.

Answer 4

No it doesnt. Not at all times.

Answer 5

Your filter performs more than one job; it filters out the big bits, the bacteria inside it convert nitrite to nitrate and the discharge agitates the surface aiding gas exchange between the nitrates and oxygen.

When people talk about cycling the tank before adding fish it's the filter that does the work. It's fish c**p to ammonia, then nitrite then nitrate to be replaced by oxygen.

If you switch your filter off, you are breaking the cycle and your fish will suffer or possibly die.

Unless you are doing cleaning or water changes it should be on at all times.

Answer 6

The reason to keep the filter running all the time is not only for the water in the tank, but to keep the bacteria in the filter alive so it can deal with the build up of ammonia and nitrites in the water.  Just keep it on all the time.

MFK

Answer 7

Yes. Fish need to have the filter on day and night to ensure the water has proper oxygenization. The filter also removes the waste the fish produce so the ammonia levels do not get too high.  

Answer 8

I have mine on all the time it creates oxygen for the fish to breathe.

well at least mine does.  

Answer 9

well,not at all times but is recommended to be installed 24/7 for optimal water conditions.

Answer 10

not all times but i only turn it off so i can feed them i keep it on daily and i change the water almost every 3 days and i use water conditioner.

Answer 11

did you really need to ask this?..or were you just bored.. i think bored.. yeah..mostly all the time

Answer 12

Yes, for you and the fish.  It helps keep the tank clean so you don't have to clean as often, and it helps oxygenate the water.  

Answer 13

Yes! IT is very important to your fish's health

Answer 14

yeah i think so...

Answer 15

If you turn the filter off for more than 1/2 hour the good bacteria that have built up inside will die,...Then,when you turn the filter back on,bad water will be pumped back into your tank,poisoning it.

It's the same whether you have undergravel or outside filtration.

Answer 16

yes. at all times. except for during the weekly partial water change. turning it off will cause the good bacteria within it begin to die off, when the filter is turned back on it can cause an ammonia spike and kill your fish.

Answer 17

yes.