Will turning my filter off cause my tank to get dirtier? ?

Question

I recently purchased an aquarium used along with gravel. I cleaned the gravel before I put it into the tank, but now that I have filled the tank there is an infestation of planaria worms. Although I know they are not necessarily harmful I'd rather not have them around. To get rid of them I know I need to simply clean the tank with a gravel cleaner and replace the water after words. However I do not currently have the time to do this with a new job. I do not have fish in my tank yet and do not plan to until I get rid of the planaria and have time in a week or so. Is it ok to turn of my filter and heater for my tank in the mean time or would that cause the tank to get dirty more quickly than if I left it on?

Answer 1

Yes.  This question literally answered itself.  To keep your filter clean, you have to remove it and clean it once a week.  

Answer 2

Mokey41 is right, that is exactly what you should do. You haven't even cycled your tank yet, so you have nothing to lose.

Answer 3

Just shut it all off and dump it.  When you have time, start over.  The tank isn't cycled yet anyway so you aren't losing anything.

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Answer 4

It would be dirtier because the filter will not run, so the water wouldnt be cycled. like as in it would not get any cleaner then what is it currently. To make it extra cleaner do 20% water changes at the end of the week. or buy some medicine called Crystal Clear from your local pet store and put in a few drops to make it clear.

Good Luck!