Horrible Mistake

[Kipper_Face]

When changing water I turn off the Jewel internal filter and heater as the water level goes below the pump level/heater minimum level. I forgot to switch them back on once before but realised within a day of my mistake and no harm was done.

However this time I did not realise for a week, temperature was fine due to summer time but the filter had suffered. Being tired I just switched it on in the notion that the external filter would deal with the excess waste from the filter Woke up next day to find 16 dead fish and 15 fish still barely alive. I did the necessary and have saved the 15 fish who seem fine now.

How can I avoid not forgetting to turn the filter on again?

 

[Qays]

the tank is probably cycling again.

Just always remember to put it back on.

 

[Kipper_Face]

It’s easy to say that but when you tired after a hard day it’s going to get forgotten again. I just know it!

Cannot think of another way to avoid it apart from not doing such a large water change now I don’t fertiliser the plants as much.

 

[Nick Sw]

Set an alarm if your forgetful for an hour or so after you start ?
Write a check list and tick each one off as you do it ?

 

[Kipper_Face]

Alarm of some sort sounds a good idea.

 

[donna123]

hi,
what a shame, i have a juwel 180, all my plugs are in the right hand door under the tank, i also unplug the heater and turn off the pump, its not easy to remember, do you change the filter floss every water change?
when ive done the water change the last thing i do is the floss ,then go straight to the plugs with dry hands lol, and that way i know ive done everything, you could always put some sticky tape on your hand and when your done with the tank it may remind you to plug back in.

 

[babybell911]

leave it on a sticky yellow note that you will always see after you clean the tank like in the kitchen

 

[martin_jones]

You could put everything (inc lights) on the same multiplug. Switch off at wall socket when beginning your change. When finished, switch it back on at the wall.

If you notice your lights aren't on, then that may serve as a reminder...

Martin

 

[Kipper_Face]

Thanks for the suggestion Donna and I dont change floss every time. Find it does not need it due to the filter being one of two filters for the tank.

Babybell (my last name is Bell and I have a baby due in November so I like your forum name!). I guarantee I would miss the note.

I may sound stupid but I have missed turning the filter on twice in 7-8 months which includes a water change every week.

Martin, like your idea but lights are on a timer. Would need to alter timer everytime but it would be worth it. Just worried i would not be able to see while siphoning ?

 

[English Lion]

You could always ask your fish to remind you! You'll know to turn it back on when a little fin taps you on the shoulder...

 

[wodesorel]

I had just got my tank cycled and fish added when I forgot to plug the filter back in after a large water change - 12 hours it was off, and this was after treating with antibiotics as well - so the bio-bugs were shot...

Now I pull the cord out and throw it over the top of the tank. It's very obvious, and I can't close the lid or do anything with it in the way, so now I don't forget!

 

[madmom]

I have everything on a surge protector and I just flip the switch on and off. This way I don't forget anything.

 

[Underwurlde]

Hello,

That's a really sad story.

Forgive me for being an ignorant newbie (or maybe it's because I'm Welsh ), but why did half your fish die so quickly? What killed them?


Andy

 

[millym]

hi
im sorry to hear about your troubles, it always feels really bad when you do something that hurts your fish (unintentionally) we've all been there so dont feel too bad.
how about an alarm clock with or without a post it note saying FILTER ON stuck on top, you could set it for about 1/2 hr after you start your cleaning. or even buy a really cheap little alarm clock & keep it in the bucket or where you keep your tank cleaning gear so you dont forget.
good luck

 

[Liam]

I have done this before, now I take the light plug out of the timer before doing anything every time. I always get distracted, I was lucky when I turned off the radio, I could hear no filter. Once it was off all night, but I always had two tanks running could swap some of the media. Too bad, we live and learn,

Andy, I guess all the filter bacteria had died, no oxygen getting into the media so the gunk was dicomposing without oxygen and once it got sent into the tank it poisoned the fish,