External Aquarium Canister

How To Select The Right Fish Tank Filter

Aren’t All Fish Tank Filters Created Equal?

Well, I hate to burst your bubble but fish tank filters are not created equal. Some function better than others while there are those that perform specific functions ideal for certain conditions. The also differ according to price and how often they need to be maintained. I will be delving into the different choices that you have when it comes to aquarium filters and how you can select the right filter for you.

Are Aquarium Filters Really That Important?

Very important, in fact fish tank filters are an absolute must in any aquarium. Along with fish tank heaters, aquarium filters form a system that ensure the living conditions in a tank is just right for healthy and vibrant fish.

Selecting a fish tank filter that is right for you is more of a personal matter. While different types of filters function is different ways, they all perform the same functions which is to filter the water of debris and externals that would reduce the water quality .

How Do Fish Tank Filters Work?

Fish tank filters do one or more of the following tasks when filtering: chemical, mechanical and biological.

Chemical filtration involves the removal of toxins and dissolved matter usually through activated carbon. The carbon filter is extremely porous and traps waste and phosphates in its pores. Other than these, it will also be able to remove odor and ammonia from the water. While it really isn’t all that important to perform chemical filtration, it can be useful especially in a tank meant for quarantine to filter out the excess chemicals used for treatment.

Mechanical filtration is the process of removing large waste and sediments from the tank. This is the most basic filtration but is no less important.

Biological filtration is a very important filtration task. Colonies of beneficial bacteria are used in biological filters to remove toxins and decay from the aquarium. This form of filtration is an absolute must in order to have a healthy and thriving tank of fish.

Choices Of Fish Tank Filters

Usually almost all fish tank filters perform mechanical and biological filtration. You will find chemical filtration as an add on to the more epxensive range of filters. Choosing the type of fish tank filter you need will depend on the size of the tank, the quantity of fish, how sensitive the fish are, the budget you are willing to spend on the filter and finally the amount of time that you have for fish tank maintenance. Below is a list of the different kinds of aquarium filters which are commonly sold today:

Box Filters: Also known as Corner Filters, a see through box is used to hold filter floss and other media. Air is push through an air stone which then pumps water into the filter, through the floss and filter media which performs mechanical filtration. Over time, bacterial colony builds up on the filter media providing biological filtration . Box filters are cheap but you should only consider them for small tanks as they are generally not that efficient. Most fish enthusiasts today also do not favor them because the box which is placed inside the tank tends to stand out like a sore thumb against the beautiful decoration. They require weekly cleaning but are easily to clean.

Undergravel Filters: These consists of a raised plastic platform with a layer of gravel on the top. By utilizing a pump, water is suck from under the gravel, forcing it to flow through the gravel which performs mechanical and eventually biological filtration . Undergravel filters usually comes together with a beginners tank that you buy in a complete set. During the weekly cleaning session, you would have to vacuum the layer of sediments that will accumulate just above the gravel.

Sponge Filters: Fairly efficient, these filters are usually used as a secondary filter to compliment the filtration of a main filter. Sponge filters are cheap but maintaining them can be a bit messy because you’d need to remove the sponge from the tank for cleaning before replacing it back again.

Power Filters: These are the most common filters used by most fish enthusiasts. Power filters provide a complete filtration process and are generally very efficient. Their mid range prices, efficient filtration and easy maintenance makes this the most popular fish tank filter sold today. Just right for a mid size tank.

Canister Filters: These filters are meant for larger tanks which require powerful filters. Canister filters are expensive but they provide the perfect filtration solution. They require very little maintenance usually just a couple of times in a year. Also, the filter is totally out of the water so maintenance does not involve the water in the tank at all.

In Conclusion….

Think carefully about the fish tank filter that you wish to buy because it should be an investment that is supposed to last you for many years. Choosing the correct fish tank filter will ensure not only healthy and vibrant fish but a hobby that will be totally satisfying.

About the Author

Tim Kessler has been breeding fish for years. He now shares he love for fish keeping as well as the best fish tank filters to use to successfully breed freshwater and saltwater fish in his brand new website Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org

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