Why is my Fish Tank Filter not Bubbling

Why is My Fish Tank Filter Not Bubbling?

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If your fish tank filter has suddenly stopped bubbling, you may want to find out why and learn how to fix the problem. This article looks into this matter in detail.

Almost all aquariums require filtration units so that your fish can be healthy. It is very normal for aquarium filters to produce bubbles. Nonetheless, if the filter is producing fewer bubbles than it should be or is not bubbling at all, then this is a cause for concern.

So, what might be wrong if your fish tank filter is not bubbling? If you notice there are no bubbles, then the filter might not be working. Therefore, you might be forced to replace or repair the filter. The most common cause tends to be that there is a disconnected or blocked air pump. Moreover, if you notice that the fish tank is cloudy, the water may be contaminated.

This article will look at why the fish tank may not be bubbling and will offer you more insights on the subject.

Factors Making the Fish Tank Filter Stop Bubbling

If you have noticed that your fish tank’s filter is no longer bubbling, there are a couple of things you can check. It could be that the pump has become unplugged or blocked, or the pump’s membrane may have deteriorated so that it is no longer watertight.

Otherwise, the tubing may have become kinked or obstructed by a build-up of excess algae. In the case of a blockage, then you’ll simply need to clean the filter to get it back into good shape. Note that if you are using an internal filter, it does not necessarily need to bubble to show that is working. External filters are the ones that you should ensure continue to bubblem unless they are sucking in air. They should produce a stream of water from the outlet while in operation.

How to fix a faulty Air Pump

There are a few common fixes you can use to rectify a faulty air pump. These fixes include:

Broken Rubber Bladder

You will be able to tell if there is a tear in the rubber bladder by passing your finger over the pump to feel for any openings. The tear might be tiny, so you will have to be observant not to miss anything. If it is broken, then you will have to replace the whole unit.

Kink in the Tubing

When you are installing a new pump, you need to be sure that there are no folds or kinks in the tubing. You can use your hands to ensure that the piping is straight, as any folds might stop the air bubbles.

Cleaning the Filters

If you have a dirty mechanical filter, it may prevent the pump from producing bubbles. Most mechanical filters have a sponge that sits inside the filter, which is the main filter component that you ought to clean.

Placement of the Pump

The solution might actually be simple here, as all you have to do is place the pump at a higher position. Placing it higher up in the tank might help it create more bubbles as may be required.

What is the purpose of Air Pumps?

Fish require oxygen in their tank to survive. They absorb the dissolved oxygen from your tank through their gills. The aquarium will absorb some oxygen from the surface, but most of the time this is not enough.

Having an air pump and filter will speed up the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. This will allow the fish to have the ideal concentration of oxygen for their needs. Additionally, it is very hard for oxygen to be available at higher water temperatures.

The temperature of the water may fluctuate between seasons and having a water pump will help, as this will allow for efficient production of oxygen even in the warmer summer months.

What’s more, if you have a high population of fish in your tank, then this will affect oxygen levels. If you have a densely populated tank, it is recommended that you install an air pump. This will help to produce sufficient oxygen for all the inhabitants in the aquarium.

Is there a Problem if there are Bubbles?

Generally speaking, bubbles are typically not bad for the aquarium. After all, they are just air, most of which is oxygen. In fact, bubbles are helpful as they oxygenate your tank. The benefit is that the fish will breathe well and be able to live comfortably.

However, there should be concern if there are too many bubbles. Excessive bubbles will result in a screen of bubbles that will mean that the fish in the tank will not be able to see clearly. Moreover, too many bubbles means that there will be excessive water movement and airflow, which is not good for the tank.

However, you should note that all of these are minor problems which should not be too much of a concern. The good thing is that most of these problems have straightforward solutions that you can deal with as already mentioned above.

Related Questions

Will fish die if your turn off the filter?

Yes, the fish will die when the filter is off. Now, you should be aware that the fish will not die immediately, and it will take some time before that happens. Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates will take some time to build up.

Do bubbles oxygenate water?

Yes, bubbles will oxygenate water in the fish tank. However, if all of the water is purely in the form of bubbles, the amount that will dissolve in water and oxygenate it is going to be limited.

See Also:
Can You Clean the Fish Tank Filter Cartridge?
How Long Do You Leave the Filter on in a Fish Tank?
Does a Fish Aquarium Lid Need Holes?
Is Styrofoam Aquarium-Safe? (A Detailed Explanation)