Why is your aquarium filter making buzzing noises?
The aquarium filter may start making buzzing noises due to a malfunctioning component, a sudden increase in contaminants, and/or a trapped fish.
It’s important to figure out what’s going on with your aquarium filter as soon as possible. This is not something to ignore as it can be a sign that your fish is in serious trouble!
The reasons for the buzzing can lead to:
- Injury
- Reduction in Water Quality
- Lack of Filtration for Contaminants
It’s essential to keep an eye on the aquarium filter when it starts making buzzing noises. Letting things continue as they are is dangerous and will lead to major issues over the long-term.
So, what should you do when there are buzzing noises coming from the aquarium filter?
You will need to find the root cause of the problem and then start implementing changes right away. This is the only solution with an aquarium filter making buzzing noises.
This guide is going to showcase what to do with an aquarium filter making buzzing noises along with what not to do moving forward.
Table of Contents
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Tips for Fixing an Aquarium Filter Making Buzzing Noises
Tip #1: Change the Filter Right Away
With an aquarium filter making buzzing noises, you want to change the filter.
This is the easiest and most effective change a fish tank owner can make. In most cases, the filter is going to be fading and it’s recommended not to try to force the issue and keep running the same filtration system.
There might come a point where the filter is going to start having the opposite effect while ruining the water quality in your fish tank!
It’s better ot set up a new filtration system and watch as it makes things easier on you.
The benefits include:
- Helps Test Another Filter
- Helps Narrow Down the Root Cause
- Immediate Results
For the average person, the filter is going to work perfectly and the change is going to be immediate. The buzzing noise is going to go away and that’s the general aim of finding a solution.
However, what happens if the noise persists?
This means you can start looking at other elements of the fish tank without having to worry about the filter. This is a positive and it’s an investment you should be making as soon as you can.
Tip #2: Use a Protective Cover for the Filter
There are times when your fish start swimming close to the filtration system and get trapped inside.
As you can imagine this is a horrible thing to deal with, but it can happen. In a lot of cases, the fish will be safe until you take the opportunity to remove it from the trapped area.
However, this is only possible if you pay attention to the buzzing noise and get the fish out promptly. If you let it sit in there, it will pass away!
A good way to avoid an aquarium filter making buzzing noises due to a trapped fish is to use a protective cover. This will ensure the fish can’t get into the open area on its own.
There are multiple options on the open market that can be used as a protective cover.
If your goal is to get rid of the problem, you will want to set this up whether or not the filtration system is changed. This is a preventative solution that also makes the fish tank a safer place for your fish.
It’s a win-win.
Tip #3: Change the Water
With an aquarium filter making buzzing noises, you are going to have a few options up your sleeve.
A good choice is to change the water. This will make sure you alleviate some of the contaminants that are in the water and may be pressuring the filter.
Changing at least 50% of the water is a good starting point.
This will help flush out the contaminants and make it easier to enjoy the perks of a fresher source of water. Of course, you have to make sure this is done properly without cutting corners or rushing.
Tip #4: Test the pH Level
What is the pH level in the fish tank right now?
When there are fluctuations in the pH level, you are going to notice odd things start to happen. This includes the aquarium filter making buzzing noises!
The pH level should be stable as that is the only way to keep your fish safe and healthy. Plus, it won’t put pressure on the aquarium filter around the clock.
Final Thoughts
Is your aquarium filter making buzzing noises?
If so, you will want to start focusing on making wholesale changes as soon as you can. This includes changing the aquarium filter, putting up a protective cover near the filter, and ensuring you are changing the water.
Each step is going to play a big role in keeping your aquarium filter running at 100%.
Here are a few articles to think about when it comes to the filtration system – eliminating white fungus in a fish tank, how to keep fish out of aquarium filter intake, how to choose the right aquarium filter, and finding the right HOB filter for aquarium.