Whisper^® Internal Power Filter

Starting a tank with all brand new water can mean 2-6 months of maturing a biological filter with periods of cloudy water. You may still be cycling, and will only know if you are by testing the water. In regards to the filter bubbling, this could be due to too much protein in the water (over feeding typically causes this issue) or to a clogged impeller. Whenever there is ever any issue with an aquarium the first two steps are 1. partial water change of 25% with a vacuuming of the gravel and 2. take the filter apart and clean the impeller. If this is the Whisper 10i, simply pull the bottom of the filter off and take out the impeller. Clean the impeller and the inside of the pump. If it is not the 10i, call our Care Team for further help. BREX

So you have an air pump driven filter, which means bubbles are normal. However, there should only be bubbles in the back, behind the filter cartridge, and a little "waterfall" coming over the front spillway. Be sure to have the pump as close to the aquarium as possible, and trim off any excess tubing so you only have a slight slack in the line of 2-4 inches, max. The filter should be positioned so that the top of it is below the top edge of the tank by about an inch, and the water level in the tank should come to the spillway so water coming out of the filter runs right into the surface of the water in the tank. Please call 1-800-526-0650 after you make any necessary adjustments, if you still need help. BREX

There are a couple of possibilities. The main one is that the water has a high level of protein or phosphates in it which would cause the excess bubbling. If it is a new tank, this will dissipate in a day or so. If it is not, and is an established tank, it's a sign you need to perform a partial water change. You can install a flow valve if necessary, to turn down the flow some. These are sold for about a buck wherever they carry air pump accessories in pet and fish stores. In regards to the lid, we do make suction cups for this filter. if you think that will help, call 1-800-526-0650. BREX

I'm not sure I understand the question. Internal filters are sized for certain tanks, so it depends on which model you have. The Whisper 20 Internal Filter, for example, is for tanks of 10-20 gallons. Water level should be to the spillway of the filter. If you have a turtle tank or something similar, the minimum amount of water required is a 4" depth. The motor or bottom half must be covered at all times. BREX

If it is the Whisper Internal or In-Tank filter, yes, it does. BREX

Yes, the filter does add air to the water. You need an air pump if you are over stocked or don't do water changes weekly. Small tanks typically should house 1-2 fish, so if you have a "few" you might be overstocked. BREX

In regards to the cloudiness, that has occurred because you have built a little slice of Mother Nature. Since there are no fish, you are getting microscopic animals like heterotrophic bacteria or daphnia, copepods, etc. Once you add fish and cycle the tank, it will balance and eventually clear up. In regards to the noisy filter, make sure you have the intake tube seated properly and that there is no damage to the impeller. Call 1-800-526-0650 if you need more help, such as a replacement impeller. BREX

It will collect whatever comes near the tube and goes up it. You may be seeing something like heterotrophic bacteria. Or microbubbles. BREX