Decision essentials
Key points
A baseline beats visual impression.
First media collects most solids.
Opening everything hides the cause.
Filter troubleshooting
Easy checks first
Remove leaves and inspect the guard before opening the vessel. Continue downstream only if flow does not recover.
Kinks, blocked spray bars and trapped air mimic dirty media.
Filter troubleshooting
Quantify recovery
Record before and after each action. The improving step identifies the restriction.
Rapid recurrence signals more load or media too fine.
From evidence to action
Decision matrix
| Situation | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gradual decline | Clean mechanical stage | Accumulated solids |
| Sudden decline | Check air, valves, blockage | Abrupt change |
| Only outlet holes weak | Clean spray bar | Distribution blockage |
Check the result
Record the symptom and time before intervening. Repeat the same check afterwards, watch breathing and behaviour, and keep a timeline; if the problem worsens, prioritise safety and reassess the diagnosis. For “Filter has lost flow: isolate restriction one stage at a time”, use opening everything hides the cause as the final article-specific check.
Evidence
Sources and scope
Sources include institutions, technical studies and manufacturers. Chezur separates established mechanisms from editorial decisions for home aquariums.
- FAO — Hydraulics and head loss institution
- University of Florida IFAS — Pumps and total head institution