INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use a screwdriver or similar tool to unfasten the top of the filter, and gain access to the sponge or pad. Remove the sponge or pad and rinse it under warm water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use the cleansed water from an aquarium water change session as the rinse water to retain healthy bacteria, and prevent ammonia contamination. If the sponge or pad is too full of debris, then you should purchase a replacement and install it into the filter. Once the original or new sponge/pad are back inside the filter, re-fasten the top and screw it back into place. These filters needed cleaning at least every other week, but may need it more often if you have more fish. Chemical filters usually take the form of granules or pellets. The chemical filter is normally placed sequentially after an existing mechanical filter and the water—or between the mechanical filter, and biological filter. Follow the instructions on the product you select, but normally, you will simply pour the instructed amount of granules into the filter, or pre-fabricated filter bag for placing in the tank water directly. A form of activated carbon is typical choice in this case. Activated carbon absorbs organic particles, medications, bacteria causing odors, and colors dissolved into the aquarium water. When the water is becoming cloudy, or smells bad, it is time to change the chemical filter. Usually, these filters are good for 1-2 months. If you use a filter bag, then put the bag in a high water-flow area of the tank. The biological filter holds the bacteria that participates in the breakdown of material in the nitrogen cycle. This is a major step in keeping the water clear of ammonia, and nitrates—toxins that are eventually fatal to fish. These filters usually have a large surface area, and are located sequentially after the chemical filter. In other words, the water will filter through the mechanical and chemical filters first. If the biological filter is clogged, then you need to pull the filter, and rinse it only with the aquarium water in order to retain the helpful bacteria and slime on the surface. You should only have to replace the biological filter if it’s physically damaged. For any motorized equipment, such as a pump or power filter, you need to follow your manufacturer’s instructions to maintain them properly. However, you can do some basic maintenance to make sure the water stays clean with well-run equipment. Do these power equipment cleanings during water changes while power is off, and disconnected from the tank. Use your instruction manual for removing impeller blades (motor blades) from power filters and pumps. Use a clean dust cloth to wipe debris from the impeller blades, and inspect it for damage. Replace it if damaged. With the filter removed during a water change, you can take a few extra steps in maintaining it. Rinse the filter’s main housing, pipes (intake and outlet), and use aquarium safe lubricants for any moving parts. Petroleum jelly or liquid silicone can be useful as lubricants. Externally mounted power pumps may need machine oil, but consult your manual. After cleaning and lubricating the filter, you should put the pieces back together and reinsert the filter in the tank. You may need to prime the filter before it will work again. Fill the filter with some of the aquarium water after insertion back into the tank. This will restart the siphon function.

SUMMARY: Clean or replace a mechanical canister filter. Treat with a chemical filter. Rinse the biological filter. Clean the impeller. Clean the filter housing.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you keep your feet clean, unpleasant odors are less likely to rub off on your shoes. Bacteria in feet can multiple fast, so always remember to wash your feet thoroughly in the shower.  Lather your feet up with soap. Scrub them thoroughly, targeting dirty areas in particular, and then rinse with water. When you get out of the shower, make sure to completely dry your feet. Your shoes need a chance to dry off completely. Moist shoes are more susceptible to odor-causing bacteria. Rotate which shoes you wear each day. Foot powder can help reduce foot sweat. This can lead to less odor being built up in your shoes. Try sprinkling some foot powder on your feet prior to wearing your shoes each day. Socks can help provide a barrier between your feet and shoes. Make sure to wear a fresh pair of socks each day. Wearing socks regularly can help eliminate unpleasant smells in shoes.

SUMMARY: Wash your feet. Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row. Use foot powder. Wear socks.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: We tend to feel more tired when we are dehydrated because our blood thickens, forcing your heart to pump harder to circulate the blood throughout your body, and this extra work by the heart tires us out.  Doctors recommend having 2 liters of water a day, or about 8 glasses. Soft drinks and coffee don’t count. You can also get water naturally through fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, celery, and broccoli. You’ll know you’re getting dehydrated if your urine turns from a pale, clear fluid (as it is when you’re well hydrated) to a darker yellow. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. By the time your brain starts sending you signals, you’re already lacking fluids, hence the message of being thirsty. Drink regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. Getting little bursts of carbohydrates and protein throughout the day will help you stay awake and alert. Plus, if you eat every 3-4 hours, you won’t have blood sugar crashes, which make you feel tired.  Eating breakfast really is the most important way to start the day, so don’t skip it. If you find you’re often on the run to work or school and don’t have time for breakfast, get into the habit of preparing grab-and-go options. Include fibre so you have the slower release of carbs that keeps you from crashing. Include popcorn, tortillas, or whole grain pitas in your meal and snack time, for example. Small meal examples that work include low-fat yogurt with berries and granola, a whole grain chicken wrap with greens, or apple slices with some peanut butter. It is generally recommended that you avoid caffeine after noon. When you live with chronic insomnia, this might be really hard to do so try to minimize it to 200-300 milligrams, or no more than 2 cups of coffee.  Decaffeinated coffees are not 100% caffeine free, so don’t be fooled. Energy drinks may not be a good choice. They have up to 250 milligrams of caffeine per serving and can increase your tolerance to caffeine, meaning you need more and more caffeine to feel the effects. They also have a lot of sugar and don’t actually provide any more energy than a regular soda. Although alcohol is often associated with partying and fun, it is actually a depressant that will drag you down and make you even more sleepy, make you restless at night, and increase your night-time waking.

SUMMARY:
Stay hydrated. Eat small meals regularly throughout the day. Enjoy caffeine responsibly. Avoid alcohol.