what's a filter helpful for? how many times a week do i change tank now?

[jtfyeung]

i got a filter for my 2Gallon tank...i was told to change 25-50% of water 2 times per week originally when i didnt hav filter. how many times should i change it now?? and since i have gravel, should i buy a gravel vacuum thing to clean bottom of tank with? or do i have to totally take out everything and clean it every week?

[Cody]

You still need to change 25-50% twice a week. I don't know why you were only do two a week without a filter.

Since a gravel vac may be too big, you might want to get a Turkey Baster.

Don't take things out of the tank.

[jtfyeung]

so i just unplug my heater and filter...scoop 25% of the water out...then add new water back in..and TADA??

[Cody]

Yep. But don't unplug anything unless the water level is too low for the filter to work properly.

[jtfyeung]

ty very much =]

[JingleAllTheWay]

I have a 1 1/2 gallon with a filter and I think I only change it about every two weeks.
I unplug everything when I do a water change and usually take out most of the stuff. At least the figurine thing and the plant (mine is fake). I usually take out about 50% of the water. Then fill it back up and add water conditioner.

[Kim]

It depends. If the tank is not cycled (the buildup of benificial bacteria to process fish waste) having a filter will not change your water change schedule. Also if it is not cycled you will need to do 100% water changes weekly to clean any gunk from the bottom of the tank and the filter will also need to be cleaned at this time. Remember, a filter may remove unsightly particles from the water column, but they are still in contact with the water and in an uncycled tank will release ammonia over time.

If the tank is cycled (if you do not know what cycling is I would read the article on cycling here) then you should vaccuum a portion of the gravel every water change (I'd stick with 2 25% weekly changes with no 100% change and you should replace/rinse old filter media when it gets dirty). Hope this helps :)