Freshwater filter

Question
I have had a ten gallon tank w/ 7 fish (?), about an inch each, set up for four months or so. Cheap tank/equip. for my 16 month old son. The filter is just trickling out water, not a steady stream like before. I've cleaned it out with Q-tips! It still is not working very well. Do I need a new one or is there some quick fix?

Answer
Hi Tamar;

Have you rinsed the filter pad out? If it has been rinsed and still will not flow you will need a new filter pad.

If it's a power filter like one that hangs on the back of the tank, sometimes the inlet mesh or the intake tube gets plugged up. Unplug the filter from the lectrical outlet and remove it from the tank. Pour out the water into the sink and pull it all apart. Take inlet tube out and look inside the tube and inside the filter box where the tube goes in and clean out any gunk you find. You might look for a lever or a switching mechanism that slows the flow of water down. Some filters are made with adjustments to be for smaller tanks or slow water movement.

If you still aren't sure or it still doesn't flow, do an internet search on Google.com for your brand and model. Find out from the manufacturers website about a manual if you don't have one. Or, email the company directly if you can. Filters should work for years so it should not yet be worn out.  

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins