Various Aquarium Filter Types for Your Fish Tank

So, you’ve finally decided that a fish tank is something you’d like. I hear you keep fish if you have a tank. The next step is to get an aquarium filter, but there’s still the matter of what kind to get. We’ve listed all of the various types. 

Inquiries about fish tanks are common among fish owners, prospective fish owners, and people with a general interest in the ocean and its inhabitants. Countless varieties of aquariums have led some to wonder just how many distinct aquarium designs exist. There could also be a question about how aquariums are cleaned and what kinds of aquarium filters are available.

To be sure, there are as many varieties of aquarium filters as there are aquariums.

It’s important to note that freshwater fish fall into one of two broad categories and thus require separate aquarium setups. These tanks are typically kept at colder temperatures and are therefore referred to as “fresh water” or “cold water” aquariums. Fish that require a saltwater aquarium include marine fish and those that can thrive in either a freshwater or saltwater environment. Brackish water refers to this type of aquatic environment. Brackish aquariums are necessary for the fish that inhabit this environment.

You’ll get an overview of the various aquarium filtration systems and aquarium filters, as well as some general information about aquariums and the care they require. For those of you who are new to fish keeping and aquariums, we hope this gives you some insight, answers your questions, or inspires you to get started, just as it has for us as aquarium hobbyists. Never get fish or an aquarium without first consulting an expert; this decision could mean life or death for your new aquatic pets.

A. Aquarium Filtration System Options

Everyone who maintains an aquarium should make it a point to learn as much as possible about filters. The filter in your aquarium is the brains of the operation, responsible for maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. The mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration systems are the three main contenders.

1. Biological Filtration

In the most basic of setups, rocks and sand can serve as biological filtration. Through a process known as biological filtration, ammonia is degraded and converted by bacteria. In order to thrive, beneficial bacteria need something rough and rocky, like a rock or stone, to cling to.

2. Chemical Filtration

Chemical additives, the most popular of which is activated charcoal, are put into the water to break down waste products in the system.

3. Mechanical Filteration

The familiar hum of the motor cycling particles and waste out of the water is what most people think of when they hear the words “water filtration.”

B. Aquarium Filters

That was a quick rundown of the many filtering systems you might encounter, either alone or in combination. What you’re looking for are these effective filters:

1. Power Filters

These filters, which are the most common type, are often referred to as the “classic hang-on-back filter.” They provide efficient filtering in the forms of biology, chemistry, and mechanics. Furthermore, they are simple to set up and operate, which contributes to their widespread adoption. When used in conjunction with other filtration methods, power filters may do wonders for your aquarium’s health and aesthetics.

2. Box Filters

Box filters are widely regarded as the pioneering type of filter used in home aquariums. Some box filters require a pump and hose to produce water flow, which is great for smaller tanks.

3. Canister Filters

Unlike standard filters, which simply let water flow past, the media in these powerful filters is actually forced into the water. Their strength makes them perfect for aquariums of medium to large size, but their increased upkeep requirements reflect this. The optimal tank size for these filters is 40 gallons or more.

4. Diatomic Filters

Source: Ebay

Such a filter, made to trap particles as small as diatomic algae, might be used in exceptional cases. These days, some filters come with a diatomic filter insert in case you ever need it.

5. Fluidized Bed Filters

6. Sponge Filters

These filters are attachments for use on water and air pumps. A biological filtration system is created when bacteria settle and the water is pushed through them. These filters are widely used by people who keep fish because they prevent the fry from being sucked out of the tank. In addition, many air and water pump systems benefit from the addition of these filters.

7. Trickle Filters

These filters are widely used in marine aquariums because they allow for the greatest possible aeration of the water. The “trickle” effect occurs because the water is pushed over media containers containing balls or strands. Even though they are said to get clogged easily and need to be cleaned often, these filters can help saltwater aquariums.

8. UGF (Under Gravel Filter)

Although not as old as the box filter, the UGF has been around for a long time. This filter sits beneath the substrate and uses the force of the air pump to draw water and waste stuff with it. However, this filter is restricted and provides minimal biological filtering. With the exception of their clogging susceptibility, they are a good low-maintenance filter.

Choosing the correct aquarium, filtration system, and filters will take some time to figure out. It will take some practice and learning about the world of fishkeeping and aquariums, but it will all come together in the end. It comes together, but sometimes it takes a little trial and error, just like figuring out which filters to use together and which filtration systems work best on specific tanks.

Source : www.homestratosphere.com

Gallery for Various Aquarium Filter Types for Your Fish Tank

Trickle Filters