How often should I clean my aquarium filter?

Rinse mechanical media (sponges, floss) in old tank water every 2-4 weeks. Never rinse filter media in tap water — chlorine kills beneficial bacteria. Replace carbon monthly. Never replace all filter media at once — this destroys your biological filter and can cause ammonia spikes. Stagger media replacement to maintain beneficial bacteria colonies.

Why is my aquarium filter making noise?

Common causes: air trapped in the impeller chamber (prime the filter by tilting or running water through intake), debris in the impeller (clean impeller and impeller well), low water level (refill tank to proper level), or worn impeller (replace impeller assembly — usually under $10). A properly functioning filter should be nearly silent.

Best Aquarium Filters 2026