Fish Tank Filter Basics
2011-07-14 15:21:05
Fish tank filters are available in all types and in any shape you need. The purpose aquarium filtration is to provide high water quality for your fish and keep the water clear and free of any debris. Aquariums are closed systems, and that fragile eco-system relies on you to thrive and grow. To achieve this you will need to select the right type of filter and the correct size for your tank.
3 Types of Fish Tank Filtration:
Mechanical: The most commonly used. It removes waste, excess food. These filtration systems usually pump the water through some kind sponge, pad or membrane. These filters should be replaced regular based on manufacturer's recommendations. Some of the more common types are:
o Floss
o Sponges
o Pads
o Sheets
Chemical: Activated charcoal is the most common chemical filter. It is that same that is used in drinking water filtration.
Related Coverage
Choosing a Fish Tank and Initial Substrate Setup
Your tank is the most simple and fundamental pieces of equipment you will have in your aquarium set-up. You must choose a size of tank very carefully, it will depend on the number of fish you are having and the level of experience you have with aquariums. The Importance of Having a Fish Tank Filter
A fish tank filter is a very important part of your aquarium because without it, it's impossible to maintain a healthy living environment for your fish. Setting up the right filter can be a matter of life or death for the fish. Choosing the Best Fish Tank Heater
A fish tank heater is one of the best tools to help give your fish the environment it deserves. If you want your fish to live a longer and healthier life, you should try to mimic its natural habitat (as much as possible). Salt water and fresh water fish both do best in warm water that stays consistent What Are Fish Tank Stands and Their Purpose?
Fish tank stands are specifically made to flaunt fish tanks at a height where we can view and maintain it conveniently. They are also built to hold the extra weight of a fish tank. Normally, a smaller fish tank can hold up to 40 gallons of water and it is usually displayed using a simple stand which is made of cast iron. Cast iron stands consist of four legs, rectangular top lip and cross braces on the sides and back.Though the use of different chemicals and distribution methods, the chemical is placed in a filter to reduce ammonia, phosphates and many other toxins that are harmful to your fish. Some of the toxins that chemical filters remove are;
o Odors
o Colors
o Ammonia
o Nitrite
o Phosphates and Nitrates
Biological: This is where you use beneficial bacteria that convert organic material that have broken down into to harmful toxins an converts them into a harmless nitrate. The nitrates are then filtered by a chemical filter (activated charcoal) or by water changes. This not by any means a quick way of filtering your fish tank. Cloudy fish tanks are usually the result of a poorly working bacterial filter. The common ones are;
o Balls
o Tubes
o Spheres
o Beads
o Cubes
3 Types of Common Fish Tank Filters;
Box filters (Power Filters); These are the most common type of filters.
They will usually come with your standard fish tank setup. They hang on the inside of the fish tank and usually provide both mechanical and chemical filtration. Not the best filter type, but they get the job done.
Under Gravel Filters: This is a filter that is placed on the bottom of the fish tank and then covered by the aquarium gravel. They are a series of plates and the when the water is drawn through them, they filter out debris. They don't work work as well as box filters.
Wet/Dry Filters; These can sit on the edge of the tank or underneath. These are very popular with hobbyists that like to build their own filtration systems. It is usually a large open filtration system that has separate sections for each type of fish tank filtration. It's most commonly used by those of us that have a marine reef tanks. It is the one I recommend.
Whichever fish tank filter and filtration system you choose, remember to install it correctly and change the filters regularly.
3 Types of Fish Tank Filtration:
Mechanical: The most commonly used. It removes waste, excess food. These filtration systems usually pump the water through some kind sponge, pad or membrane. These filters should be replaced regular based on manufacturer's recommendations. Some of the more common types are:
o Floss
o Sponges
o Pads
o Sheets
Chemical: Activated charcoal is the most common chemical filter. It is that same that is used in drinking water filtration.
Related Coverage
Choosing a Fish Tank and Initial Substrate Setup
Your tank is the most simple and fundamental pieces of equipment you will have in your aquarium set-up. You must choose a size of tank very carefully, it will depend on the number of fish you are having and the level of experience you have with aquariums. The Importance of Having a Fish Tank Filter
A fish tank filter is a very important part of your aquarium because without it, it's impossible to maintain a healthy living environment for your fish. Setting up the right filter can be a matter of life or death for the fish. Choosing the Best Fish Tank Heater
A fish tank heater is one of the best tools to help give your fish the environment it deserves. If you want your fish to live a longer and healthier life, you should try to mimic its natural habitat (as much as possible). Salt water and fresh water fish both do best in warm water that stays consistent What Are Fish Tank Stands and Their Purpose?
Fish tank stands are specifically made to flaunt fish tanks at a height where we can view and maintain it conveniently. They are also built to hold the extra weight of a fish tank. Normally, a smaller fish tank can hold up to 40 gallons of water and it is usually displayed using a simple stand which is made of cast iron. Cast iron stands consist of four legs, rectangular top lip and cross braces on the sides and back.Though the use of different chemicals and distribution methods, the chemical is placed in a filter to reduce ammonia, phosphates and many other toxins that are harmful to your fish. Some of the toxins that chemical filters remove are;
o Odors
o Colors
o Ammonia
o Nitrite
o Phosphates and Nitrates
Biological: This is where you use beneficial bacteria that convert organic material that have broken down into to harmful toxins an converts them into a harmless nitrate. The nitrates are then filtered by a chemical filter (activated charcoal) or by water changes. This not by any means a quick way of filtering your fish tank. Cloudy fish tanks are usually the result of a poorly working bacterial filter. The common ones are;
o Balls
o Tubes
o Spheres
o Beads
o Cubes
3 Types of Common Fish Tank Filters;
Box filters (Power Filters); These are the most common type of filters.
They will usually come with your standard fish tank setup. They hang on the inside of the fish tank and usually provide both mechanical and chemical filtration. Not the best filter type, but they get the job done.
Under Gravel Filters: This is a filter that is placed on the bottom of the fish tank and then covered by the aquarium gravel. They are a series of plates and the when the water is drawn through them, they filter out debris. They don't work work as well as box filters.
Wet/Dry Filters; These can sit on the edge of the tank or underneath. These are very popular with hobbyists that like to build their own filtration systems. It is usually a large open filtration system that has separate sections for each type of fish tank filtration. It's most commonly used by those of us that have a marine reef tanks. It is the one I recommend.
Whichever fish tank filter and filtration system you choose, remember to install it correctly and change the filters regularly.
