Creating a thriving aquatic environment starts with proper filtration and regular maintenance

My Filter Setup

As an aquarium enthusiast, I’ve learned that having reliable external filters makes all the difference in maintaining healthy, crystal-clear water. Currently, I’m running two excellent external filters in my setup:

• Oase FiltoSmart Thermo 100 – A fantastic gift from one of my awesome British neighbors who really knows their aquarium equipment!
• Superfish EcoFlow 120 – My trusted workhorse that’s been keeping things clean

About My Filters

Oase FiltoSmart Thermo 100

The FiltoSmart Thermo 100 is a compact yet powerful external filter that’s perfect for smaller to medium-sized aquariums. Here’s what makes it special:

Key Features:

• Flow rate: 600 L/h
• Suitable for tanks up to 100 liters
• Power consumption: 11W (filter) + 100W (heater)
• Built-in 100W heater with thermostat
• Dimensions: 205 × 139 × 260 mm
• Filter volume: 1.3L with 0.70L pre-filter volume
• Self-priming function
• 3-year warranty

Benefits:

• Excellent biological filtration with ceramic media
• Compact design saves space
• German engineering for reliability
• Easy maintenance with tool-free access
• Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater
• Energy efficient operation
• Built-in heater eliminates need for separate tank heater
• Space-saving 2-in-1 solution (filter + heater)

Interested in the Oase FiltoSmart Thermo 100? Check it out here

Superfish EcoFlow 120

The EcoFlow 120 has been my reliable companion for keeping tanks pristine for a low price:

Key Features:

• Flow rate: 400 L/h
• Suitable for tanks up to 120 liters
• Power consumption: 6W
• Filter capacity: 2.3L
• Multi-stage foam filtration system
• External pump design for optimal filter space
• Complete with hoses and accessories

Benefits:

• Energy-efficient operation at only 6W
• Large 2.3L filter capacity for excellent media volume
• Four-stage mechanical filtration (coarse, medium, fine foam + wadding)
• External pump maximizes internal filter space
• Rotatable inlet connector for flexible positioning
• Complete kit with spray bar and accessories

Interested in the Superfish EcoFlow 120? Check it out here

My Customization: I’ve replaced certain foam sections with specialized biological filter media to boost the biological filtration performance and create more colonization surfaces for beneficial bacteria.

Water Change Schedule: The Foundation of Aquarium Health

Established Aquariums

For tanks that have been running for several months and have established their biological cycle:

• Frequency: Weekly
• Amount: 20-25% of total tank volume
• Why: Removes accumulated nitrates and replenishes essential minerals

New Aquariums

For newly set up tanks still establishing their nitrogen cycle:

• Frequency: Every 3 days
• Amount: 50% of total tank volume
• Why: Helps control ammonia and nitrite spikes during the cycling process
• Duration: Continue until ammonia and nitrites consistently read zero

Filter Maintenance: Keeping Your System Running Smoothly

Cleaning Schedule

• Frequency: Every 4 weeks (or when performance noticeably decreases)
• Signs it’s time to clean:
  • Reduced water flow
  • Cloudy water despite recent water changes
  • Strange odors from the filter
  • Visible debris buildup

Cleaning Process

1. Turn off the filter and unplug it from power
2. Close the inlet and outlet valves (if equipped)
3. Disconnect the hoses carefully to avoid spills
4. Remove filter media starting with mechanical filtration
5. Rinse mechanical media in aquarium water (never tap water!)
6. Gently clean biological media in aquarium water to preserve beneficial bacteria
7. Clean the impeller and housing with aquarium water
8. Reassemble everything and restart the filter

Tips for Success

Water Changes:

• Use a good water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and chloramines
• Match the temperature of new water to your tank temperature
• Vacuum the substrate during water changes to remove debris
• Don’t forget to add necessary plant nutrients after water changes if you have live plants

Filter Maintenance:

• Never clean all filter media at once – this can crash your biological filtration
• Keep spare impellers and O-rings for emergency replacements
• Consider having backup air pumps during maintenance periods
• When customizing with additional biological media, maintain the flow path and don’t over-pack the filter chambers

Plant Care:

• Regular water changes can remove essential plant nutrients
• Add liquid fertilizers or root tabs as needed for your planted tank
• Consider the nutrient requirements of your specific plants
• Monitor plant health – yellowing or slow growth may indicate nutrient deficiency

Monitoring:

• Test water parameters regularly (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH)
• Keep a maintenance log to track cleaning dates and observations
• Watch your fish behavior – they’re great indicators of water quality
• Observe your plants for signs of nutrient deficiency or excess

Results You Can See

The two pictures and videos I’m sharing with this blog showcase my aquariums immediately after a thorough filter cleaning and water change. Notice how crystal clear the water is and how active and healthy the fish appear! This is the result of consistent maintenance and quality filtration working together (note that the attic aquarium contains catappa leaves, which slightly color the water).

Regular maintenance might seem like a chore, but seeing your aquatic friends thrive in pristine conditions makes every minute worthwhile. Plus, with the right filters like my Oase FiltoSmart Thermo 100 and Superfish EcoFlow 120, the job becomes much easier and more rewarding.

Remember: consistency is key in aquarium keeping. Stick to your maintenance schedule, and your fish will thank you with vibrant colors, active behavior, and years of enjoyment!