Clean your aquarium filters

Perform regular maintenance on your filter to keep it clean.
Dirty or clogged filters operate at reduced efficiency. Filtration systems vary in the types of "cartridges" they use. Each individual filter will use different cleaning methods. In the case of biological filtration, a clogged filter will be unable to remove ammonia properly, resulting in fish stress and eventually death. Floss-based biological filters are cleaned by gently rinsing them in used tank water that has been siphoned into a bucket. Other biological filters use such items as "Bio Balls" which are plastic circular balls that are composed of "spike" like balls that will promote the growth of bacterial colonies. Undergravel filters are cleaned through regular vacuuming.