Biological (continued)
The biological media should be placed after both the mechanical and chemical filtration. The water is then filtered from any debris and is chemically treated prior to passing over the biological media. This brings back the importance of maintaining the mechanical media. It is important that debris is not allowed to pass the mechanical filtration and enter the biological media.
Maintenance for the biological media is limited and needs to be performed carefully without destroying the beneficial bacteria. If, over time, the media becomes clogged with debris, it is important to rinse the media in aquarium water to remove the debris. It is normal for all biological media to become covered in a slime-like film, and should not prompt you to clean the media. Most biological media should never have to be replaced unless it has been physically damaged.
Equipment
Performing regular maintenance on the aquarium's equipment will improve both the performance, and the lifespan of this equipment. The routine for this maintenance should be explained in the original manual that is included with the equipment. The procedures that follow are only general guidelines, and the manufacturer's recommendations should always be followed.
It is best to perform maintenance on the equipment during your regular water change and filter maintenance. At this time, the power to the equipment has been disconnected and the filter and pumps can be safely serviced. Whether your system includes a power filter, canister filter, power heads, or a sump with a water pump, they all have a motor and impeller within them.
General maintenance on all of these types of equipment include removing the motor's impeller and cleaning collected debris off of the impeller and from the impeller's housing. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for removing the impeller. Once removed, clean the impeller of any debris and inspect the impeller for any damage. If the impeller is missing any blades, or the blades contain any cracks or nicks, replace it.
Next, clean all of the filter parts, including all housings, intake and outlet pipes, and the main body of the filter. Following the manufacturer's recommendations and lubricate any of the necessary parts and seals prior to reassembling the unit. Lubricants that are typically suggested include petroleum jelly and liquid silicone. Some external pumps need to be oiled periodically with an oil that is appropriate for that pump. Follow the manufacturer's suggestions for this maintenance and log the date that the pump has been oiled. This will help you remember when oiling is required and will ensure that the pump receives the necessary amount of oil. After all of the necessary maintenance has been performed, re-assemble the filtration unit and re-install it on the aquarium. Many types of filters must be primed before operation. Priming the filter typically involves filling the filter with water so the necessary siphon can be started. Follow the instructions for this procedure in the literature provided with the unit.
Conclusion
Even with the numerous recent advances made in filtration technology, these 'new age' filters still need to be maintained and cleaned periodically in order to provide the proper water conditions needed by the inhabitants. By monitoring your water quality and observing the health of the aquarium inhabitants, in time, you will achieve a maintenance schedule that will be become routine and will require less effort and planning.
