Aquarium Equipment Problems

Here you'll find the most commonly asked questions about aquariums and fish keeping. If you don't find the answer to your question here, you can e-mail us at TetraCare® or call at 1-800-423-6458.

Q) My aquarium heater is not working properly, what can I do?

A) If your heater is not maintaining the correct temperature, make sure it has been in operation for 36 hours. The heater will slowly raise the temperature over time. This will prevent a large temperature swing that can shock the fish. If it is still not working properly, please contact TetraCare™.

Q) What can I do if my Power Filter has stopped working?

A) Sometimes, the magnetic impeller assembly can become clogged with debris. To clean off fish waste, mineral deposits, etc. you will need to take the magnetic impeller assembly out of the filter. Take the rubber end cap pieces off the top and bottom. Slide the magnetic impeller assembly off the metal shaft and place both the impeller and the metal shaft in white vinegar. The metal shaft and magnetic impeller assembly should be soaked side by side. Do this for two hours and then rinse them in warm water. You can now put the magnetic impeller assembly back together. Check to be sure the magnet and the white blades are connected as one piece. If they have become separated, you will need a new impeller. This separation is covered under our 2-year warranty.

Q) What should I do if my Tetra® Air Pump is not producing air or is very loud?

A) An air pump that loses power or gets very loud may have a bad rubber diaphragm. These parts are located inside the pump. Just remove the screws on the bottom of the pump to open it up. The round rubber disk is the diaphragm.

Each pump has a lifetime-limited warranty for manufacturing defects. Water damage does not fall under the warranty. So make sure you are using a drip loop and check valve. If you cannot do this, make sure the pump is higher than the aquarium. Also, the pump is for indoor use only. The rubber parts, such as the diaphragm, are considered a “wear and tear” item. The life of the rubber parts depend on the application. For example, a diaphragm running a 1” air stone will last much longer than one running a 12” bubble wand. These parts will need to be replaced over time and are not covered by the warranty. Please purchase these parts from a good local pet store.