Should the filter, which also acts as an air pump, be left on 24 hours a day?

Question

If not, how long can I turn it off for?

In case it makes a difference, it is a 22 gallon tank with 3 zebra danios. I got them today and am going to get more of them tomorrow.

BTW - Does it matter if they have nowhere to hide, even though it is only for the night?

Answer 1

You MUST have the filter on 24/7!!!  all the time!!  They don't need to hide, they are quick fish who just swim back and forth a whole bunch, so you need to feed them well so they have enough energy to swim everywhere and make your tank look beautiful!!!

Answer 2

Filtration systems need to be on 24-7, do not turn it off at all unless you are cleaning out the tank. Be sure to get cover for your buddies to reduce any stress from the transportation from the store to ttheirnew home, remember, they already have had a rough ride being transported from the breeder to the store, then making another trip soon after being dunked into a tank in the store causes a large amount of stress on fish.

Answer 3

Your filter needs to be on 24/7 and your tank needs to be cycled before you add fish.  Adding a lot of fish at one time causes a huge increase in the bioload so take it slow.  I wouldn't add more fish for a week.

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