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Why Is My Aquarium Filter Loud? Common Causes and Solutions

Image of an aquarium filter loud

Why Is My Aquarium Filter Loud? Common Causes and Solutions (From One Aquarist to Another)

Table of Contents

Why Does My Aquarium Filter Get So Loud?

This is not one of those problems that you notice right away. Usually, the filter starts off running pretty smooth. Then one day, as you are trying to relax, it suddenly starts rumbling like a jackhammer under water. No! Why is this aquarium filter loud? If you are new to aquarium keeping, it can make you panic a bit. “Is it broken?” “Do I need a new one?” And hey, even if you are experienced, that rattling noise can still make you lose sleep.

Most of the time, though, it is not something major. Filters are fairly simple devices. They work by using an impeller to pull water through the system. If anything in the filter gets clogged or worn down, or if something’s rattling around loose, you are going to hear about it—and not in a quiet way.

Why is Stuff Stuck in the Impeller Causing Noise?

You know how when you get a rock stuck in your shoe, it makes the most annoying noise ever? Well, imagine that on a smaller scale with your filter. The impeller, which spins to pull water, can get jammed up with little bits of plant material, food, or debris. That mess will make it rattle, hum, or worse.

I have dealt with this a lot, especially in my shrimp tanks. Those little critters shed their exoskeletons, and sometimes, bits of it find their way into the filter. One time, I thought I had a broken filter on my hands, but no—it was just a stray shrimp molt clogging up the impeller.

How to fix it:

  • Unplug the filter. Seriously, do not mess with it while it is running.
  • Take the filter apart, checking the impeller chamber.
  • Clean out anything that should not be there. I like using a soft brush (or an old toothbrush, which works perfectly).
  • Put it all back together, plug it in, and see how it sounds. Odds are, you have solved the problem.

Tip for the future: Make a habit of cleaning the impeller regularly. I am talking once a month, maybe more if you have a heavily stocked tank. It will save you a headache later.

Related article: Best Filter for a Shrimp Tank

How Do Loose Parts or Vibrations Make My Filter Loud?

This one drove me nuts for ages. I had a canister filter that buzzed so loudly, I thought I was going to have to apologize to my neighbors. Turns out, it was not the motor. The filter was vibrating against the glass, creating this awful rattling noise. It was so simple to fix, but it took me a while to figure it out.

How to fix it:

  • First, check to see if anything on the filter is loose. A cover or latch that is not snapped in properly can cause a lot of noise.
  • Next, see if the filter is sitting directly against the tank glass or something solid. That is where most vibrations happen. You can use a small piece of foam or sponge to cushion the filter and stop that rattling.

Pro tip: Get yourself some adhesive foam pads (you can find them on Amazon). Stick those under the filter, and they will absorb most of that vibration. Your tank will go from concert-level noise to library quiet.

Can Clogged Filter Media Make the Filter Noisy?

Here is a good one: I once let a sponge filter in one of my shrimp tanks go a little too long without a good cleaning. I will admit, I got busy and just did not get to it. Anyway, the filter started sounding like it was grinding rocks. When I finally got around to cleaning it, I found the sponge so clogged with shrimp molts and bits of uneaten food that it was basically suffocating. Filters work harder when they get clogged, and that extra effort translates to noise.

How to fix it:

  • Pull out the filter media, and give it a rinse. Do this in a bucket of tank water, though, because tap water can wipe out the beneficial bacteria you need.
  • If the media is too far gone, just replace it. You will know if it is beyond saving.
  • Stick to a routine where you are cleaning or replacing your media every couple of weeks.

Trust me, keeping up with this will save you a lot of trouble. I like using Prime Water Conditioner for this—it holds up really well and does a good job of filtering.

Do Water Levels Affect Filter Noise?

This one is easy to miss. If the water level in your tank is too low, your filter might start sucking in air, which causes it to make a gurgling or slurping noise. That noise, by the way, is not just annoying—it also means your filter is not working properly.

I learned this the hard way during a particularly dry week when my tank’s water evaporated quicker than usual. Suddenly, my usually quiet filter was making all kinds of bubbling noises.

How to fix it:

  • Check the water level. If it is low, top it off. Make sure the intake is fully submerged.
  • Keep an eye on this regularly, especially if you have a lidless tank or live in a dry climate where evaporation happens fast.

Simple fix, but one that makes a world of difference. And hey, if you want to minimize evaporation, consider adding a lid to your tank.

How Do I Keep My Filter Quiet Long-Term?

Regular maintenance is key here. Filters are not a “set it and forget it” deal—they need a bit of care to keep them running smoothly. Here is what I recommend:

  • Clean the impeller and filter media regularly. It prevents debris from building up and causing noise.
  • Secure any loose parts. The quieter the filter, the better for you and your fish.
  • Use foam padding to stop vibrations. You would be surprised how much of a difference this makes.
  • Watch the water levels. Keeping everything submerged keeps things running smoothly.

If you follow these tips, your filter should stay quiet, and your tank will remain the peaceful, calm oasis it is supposed to be. I recommend getting yourself a API Master Test Kit to make things easier.

What Are My Final Thoughts on Fixing Noisy Filters?

A noisy aquarium filter can drive you up the wall, but the good news is that most of the time, it is an easy fix. Whether it is debris stuck in the impeller, loose parts, or something as simple as a low water level, you can get your filter back to that gentle hum with a little bit of effort. And trust me, your fish will thank you for it.

Got any filter stories of your own? I would love to hear about them. Drop a comment below and let me know what worked for you. You can also check out some of my other posts here if you want more aquarium tips and tricks. Happy fishkeeping, my friends!

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