How long can filters stay off?

[CraigMac]

Just did a water change and redecorated the tank. In doing so, I mixed up the sand so I turned off my filters until it settles. But, long long can they be off until the fish are harmed from no water flow?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Moved to Freshwater & Brackish - General Discussion

 

[garfy]

Is your filter your only source of water movement or do you have an air stone too?

 

[CraigMac]

Just my filter

 

[jetajockey]

It depends on a lot of factors but generally fish will be fine for several hours without aeration going.

 

[garfy]

It depends on a lot of factors but generally fish will be fine for several hours without aeration going.

+1 you should be good for up to 4 hours.Just keep an eye on things.

 

[CraigMac]

Thanks guys! I'm sitting here debating which filter I'll run and risk damaging because I don't want my fish to suffer .

I'll give it 2-4 hours with a close eye on things.

 

[garfy]

If it helps every other week I remove all my decor and give the sand a real good stirring up to vacuum.This takes me about 2 hours and all is fine so you should be ok

 

[garfy]

Meant to add I turn my filter off to do this

 

[blackmolly]

make sure you keep the media wet though... don't want any good bacteria drying out.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Thanks guys! I'm sitting here debating which filter I'll run and risk damaging because I don't want my fish to suffer .

I'll give it 2-4 hours with a close eye on things.

Put some sponge in the intake to protect the impeller.

 

[CraigMac]

Good points about keeping media wet and using a sponge, thanks! Garfy, when you turn back on your filters is the sand still a little unsettled or is it completely settled?

 

[fishnewbe420]

I went I went and week with no filter and no air stones and no body died

 

[Fish24907]

Wow, only a few hours is fine?

My filter broke down for a night and I had no other air stones or anything. I figured it was fine. Now im feeling pretty sad because i guess my fish (i only had 2 danios in my tank at the time) were probably super stressed.