filter should always be on huh?

If you're talking about products like Bio-Spira there is an expiration date on the packaging for this very reason. The bacteria cannot live forever, and the fresher the better.

Also- this is one of the reasons folks don't trust "bacteria in a bottle". It's like yogurt- it may say live cultures, but most of the time they're not.

Yes- your filter needs to run 24 hours a day.
 
Bacteria in a bottle? Is this what you are refferring to Tana? If so why are you using quick fixes?

My freshwater filters are on a time clock to run for about 10-12hours per day. They switch off at night.
 
Sooooo Every morning you start a new cycle?? :eek:

Seriously, if you switch the filters off for that long then bacteria are going to be dying every night. This will not be healthy for your tank or the fish.

Why switch your filters off at night? It isn't as if they use much electricity.
 
I find that odd as well...don't turn off your filters at night...they should be on 24/7...the only thing you need to turn off are your lights.
 
tana -

Welcome to Aquaria Central! :)

What filter are you mentioning? Tank filter or some other type of accessory filter?
 
I run my filters on the same schedule that my fish excrete ammonia: 24/7.

I see no good reason for ever turning off a filter, except for cleaning. It makes no sense.

Jim
 
AquariaCentral.com