A filter that works properly is a key component of your pet’s tank, if the filter does not work properly then the tank will become filthy in short order, so, figuring out why the tank filter is not working is a must
This article is a look into why your turtle’s filter is not working
Table of Contents
Why is my turtle filter not working?
Figuring out why your turtle’s filter is not working will get you one step closer to fixing the filter,
Here is why your pet’s filter may not be working:
Clogged filter:
Filters do a lot of work, they have to clean out any dirt, waste, food particles, and algae that is floating around in your pet’s tank, and after some time the filter will get clogged
If your filter is clogged then it won’t work as efficiently as it once did. In this case, you may hear grinding coming from the filter, this may be caused by the algae, gravel, plant matter, waste, or sand in the impeller
When your filter is clogged the impeller has to spin harder to filter the water, the result of this will be a less effective filter and the filter may even stop pumping water altogether.
What to do:
You can remedy this quickly and easily by cleaning the filter out. you’d need a bucket, a pipe cleaner or toothbrush and some aquarium water to do this
Start off by unplugging the filter, emptying out the water, and taking the filter apart. Next, rinse out the filter media or sponge in the aquarium water until it is no longer dirty
Next, clean out the intake nozzle, this is the part that extends down into the water. You can use a pipe cleaner or toothbrush to clean this tubing out.
Once you’re done cleaning out the filter you can reassemble it and plug it back in
Keep this from happening in the future by making sure that you clean the filter out regularly.
Do not use tap water to clean the media, the chlorine in the tap water will kill any beneficial bacteria in the media and this will disrupt the nitrogen cycle making the water dirtier over time
Damage:
Another reason why your pet’s filter may not be working may be because something is broken or damaged
The impeller in the filter may be damaged. The impeller is what sucks water into the filter from the aquarium and allows the water to pass into the filter media to be cleaned.
Alternatively, the motor in the filter may be broken, this part of the device generates power and transmits it to the impeller
If you have other animals in your home then they may have damaged, torn, or chewed on the wires or pins of the filter.
What to do:
If your impeller or motor is broken then you’d need to get it replaced, or have it fixed, as soon as possible.
If the wires are damaged then you may need to get a whole new filter. Damaged wires can be very dangerous, it isn’t recommended that you try to repair them
If the filter does not work properly then the tank can quickly get dirty and create an unhealthy environment for your turtle so remedying this issue as soon as possible is a must.
If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other turtle/tortoise related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Why Is My Turtle Filter Making Noise?, Why Is My Turtle Eating Less?, Why Is My Turtle Filter So Loud?, How To Keep A Turtle Tank Clean Without A Filter?, Can I Clean My Turtle Tank With Vinegar?, Why Does My Turtle Tank Get Dirty So Fast?, Why Is My Turtle Eating So Much?