Filtration Chamber Pump Removal | Install Settings
Replacing your filter media is an important part of routine maintenance and helps keep your Living Oceans Aquarium healthy and stable. During each scheduled water change, we recommend replacing the chemical filter media to remove dissolved organic waste and help control phosphate levels.
This maintenance only takes a few minutes and helps maintain excellent water quality for your fish, corals and beneficial bacteria.
Watch the video below to see how to replace the filter media correctly. The guide underneath provides step-by-step instructions and important information about the different types of filtration used in your aquarium.
Why Replace the Filter Media?
The top filter basket contains two types of chemical filtration:
- Activated carbon, which helps remove dissolved organic compounds, odours and water discolouration.
- Phosphate remover, which helps reduce phosphate levels that can contribute to nuisance algae growth.
These filter media gradually become exhausted over time, so replacing them during each water change keeps your filtration working effectively.
How to Replace the Filter Media
Replacing the filter media is quick and straightforward.
- Lift out the top filter basket.
- Remove the used carbon and phosphate remover media bags.
- Rinse the new media bags thoroughly under tap water to remove any dust or fine particles.
- Place the rinsed media bags back into the top filter basket.
- Reinstall the basket into the filter chamber.
Important: Do Not Clean the Bio Balls
The lower filter baskets contain bio balls, which provide a home for the beneficial bacteria that keep your aquarium biologically stable.
These bio balls should not be cleaned or replaced during routine maintenance, as doing so can remove the beneficial bacteria your aquarium depends on.
Always ensure the basket containing the carbon and phosphate remover sits on top of the bio ball baskets.
If You Notice Bubbles or Gurgling
After reinstalling the filter basket, you may occasionally hear a bubbling or gurgling sound. This is usually caused by trapped air beneath the basket.
If this happens:
- Gently jiggle the top filter basket to release any trapped air.
- Push the basket firmly against the left-hand partition of the filter chamber.
Once the trapped air escapes, the filter should return to quiet, normal operation.
Routine Maintenance
To keep your filtration system operating efficiently, we recommend:
- Replacing the carbon and phosphate remover during every scheduled water change.
- Rinsing new filter media thoroughly before installation.
- Leaving the bio balls undisturbed during routine maintenance.
- Checking that the top filter basket is fully seated after reinstalling it.
Need More Help?
If you've replaced the filter media and your filtration system still isn't operating correctly, please contact the Living Oceans Support Team.
To help us diagnose the issue as quickly as possible, please include:
- Your aquarium model (80L, 130L or 200L).
- A brief description of the issue.
- Photos or a short video showing the filter chamber and filter baskets.
This information will help us provide the fastest and most accurate support.