Yes, based on the provided reference, you should always turn off the filter when performing a water change in your aquarium.
Why Turn Off Your Aquarium Filter?
Turning off your filter during a water change is a standard practice recommended to protect your equipment and ensure proper operation. The primary reason, especially for Hang-on-Back (HOB) filters or other external filters that rely on water immersion to run correctly, is to prevent them from running dry.
- Protecting the Filter: Running a filter pump dry can cause it to overheat or seize up, leading to potential damage or complete failure. HOB filters, for instance, sit on the back of the tank and draw water from the aquarium. As the water level drops during a water change, the intake tube may no longer be submerged, causing the pump to run without water.
- Safety: It also prevents the filter from potentially drawing air or debris from the lowered water level, which isn't good for the pump or the biological media.
Steps During a Water Change
Here's a simple process incorporating the advice from the reference:
- Prepare: Gather your water change supplies (siphon, buckets, water conditioner, etc.).
- Turn Off Equipment: Before starting the water removal, always turn off your filter. You should also turn off heaters and any powerheads or other electrical equipment in the tank that could run dry or cause issues with lower water levels.
- Perform Water Change: Remove the desired amount of water using your siphon. Clean the substrate or tank decorations as needed.
- Add New Water: Refill the tank with fresh, conditioned water.
- Prime the Filter (if necessary): If you use a HOB filter, the reference advises: "Before you turn it back on, add some water to the back first and then turn it on." This "priming" step ensures the impeller is submerged and the filter is ready to draw water from the tank as soon as it's powered on.
- Turn On Equipment: Once the water level is back to normal and the filter is primed, turn your filter, heater, and other equipment back on.
Following these steps helps ensure the longevity of your filter and maintains a healthy environment for your aquatic inhabitants.
