Decision essentials
Key points
More flow does not cure imbalance.
Attached algae need direct removal.
Stable control matters more than sterility.
Filter troubleshooting
Separate the visible forms
Green water is suspended and circulates; filaments and surface films grow attached and reach the filter only after removal.
Capturing detritus can help indirectly by exporting material from the system.
Filter troubleshooting
Correct the whole system
Adjust photoperiod gradually, avoid excess food, clean glass and prune affected growth. Keep the routine predictable.
Do not change light, fertiliser, media and water all at once; record one intervention and assess it.
From evidence to action
Decision matrix
| Situation | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Green water | Review light and nutrients | Standard media may not retain it |
| Filaments | Remove and correct conditions | They remain attached |
| Visible detritus | Improve capture and export | Lower available load |
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 “Can an aquarium filter remove algae? What it can and cannot fix”, use stable control matters more than sterility 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.