Learn More About Aquarium Fish Filters

The cleanliness of your fish tank water is constantly being compromised due to various events that happen in this closed environment. Examples of such events are pollution from fish waste and uneaten fish food, detritus from decomposing dead fish and plants, and changes in water composition such as shifts in pH levels and addition of medicines or new tap water.

If water is left untreated when these conditions occur, your fish will get sick and die. If you plan to maintain a fish tank to make your room or home more attractive, this purpose will not be fulfilled if your fish tank water is smelly, cloudy, or murky. It is then important to have a complete filtration system by installing the appropriate fish tank filters.

The different kinds of filters

The type of filter you will need will basically be dictated by the size of your tank. Fish tank filters perform either mechanical, chemical, or biological filtration. Some types combine two or all filtration methods.

Inexpensive filters such as hang-on filters, box or corner filters, internal power filters, diatom filters, and sponge filters are generally ideal for small tanks. Consisting of just a sponge or foam and a tube, sponge filters are the cheapest and simplest fish tank filters, ideal for tanks with small or newborn fish and quarantine tanks. Also known as external power filters, hang-on filters are among the most popular since they often provide all three filtration methods. On the other hand, internal power filters are placed inside the tank. These are ideal only for small freshwater tanks. Box or corner filters are also placed inside the aquarium, providing mechanical and chemical filtration for small tanks. To provide the best method of mechanical filtration, diatom filters use diatomaceous earth .

The filters mentioned above are both inexpensive, simple to set up, and easy to clean and maintain. They are ideal for beginners who wish to start with small tanks and small fish population. These filters can also be used in larger tanks but only as backup or secondary filters, or else they will get clogged up easily.

If you are looking for more powerful fish tank filters, you may want to consider buying canister filters, undergravel filters, wet/dry filters, and fluidized bed filters. The first three types can provide a complete three-step filtration system to your fish tank. While fluidized bed filters do not contain necessary mechanism for mechanical filtration, their biological and chemical filtration capabilities are good for tanks with live plants and heavy bio-loads.

The large surface area of undergravel filters give excellent mechanical and biological filtration but you have to know that stubborn buildup will develop, making it lose efficiency over time. On the other hand, fluidized filters tend to deplete your tank's oxygen supply and add nitrates during power failures. Being the most advanced filtration type, wet/dry filters are for advanced aquarists, as they require more planning, time to set up, and additional equipment or plumbing.

Most important filter accessories

Fish tank filters have parts and accessories that you have to change from time to time. The most commonly used are filter bags, filter cartridges, and filter media. Examples of filter media are ceramic rings, sponge or foam inserts, filter gravel, foam blocks, and filter pads.