Aquarium Hints and Tips - Fishtank Filter

So you’ve got your new freshwater fish aquarium and you’re about to start setting it all up. Amongst the many things to ponder over, is which fishtank filter are you going to use?

Ok, we’ll look through just about every available fishtank filter here so that hopefully you will have the necessary information to make an informed decision as to which freshwater aquarium filter is best for you.

All aquariums need biological, chemical and mechanical filtration in order to maintain a healthy home for your fish. The fishtank filter should aerate the water running it through the filter itself usually about five times per hour. So if your tank is a 100 litre tank then your aquarium filter should circulate about 500 litres per hour. Less than that will probably be ineffective and any more than that can cause too much movement stressing your fish and damaging your plants.

Biological filtration is carried out by bacteria converting harmful waste products into less harmful materials. Chemical filtration is actually activated carbon which binds up any toxic materials. Mechanical filtration simply removes large, unwanted materials from the water.

Right, what types of fishtank filters are there?

Box filters, also known as corner filters, are quite inexpensive but not used too often anymore mainly because they just don’t have the power of other filters. Simple to install but not really up to the job compared to newer types.

Cannister filters are suited to medium to large sized tanks and are more powerful. You can place them outside of the tank itself so you will be able to hide it from view more easily.

Power filters are my favourite and are quite possibly one of the most commonly used filters for smaller tanks simply placed on the back of the aquarium and are extremely easy to maintain. They provide both chemical and biological filtration. They can be fitted with a biowheel for increased biological filtration. This is simply an addition to the filter that increases the surface area available for bacterial growth improving the bacterial filter.

Diatomic filters are only used to rid your tank of tiny particles or “diatomic algae” as it’s known. Because they are specialist filters for one primary purpose, other filters may have diatomic filters inserted for ease and convenience.

Sponge filters fit over a tube from a pump and provide biological and mechanical filtration. They are used quite often, though they can become clogged up if there is too much water debris floating around.

Trickle filters are also known as wet or dry filters and simply cause the water to trickle over a fixture like a set of small rocks thereby aerating the water continuously but not particularly good for planted aquariums because they can remove CO2 from the water.

UGF, or under gravel filters are placed under the aquarium substrate and with the use of a pump draws unwanted material away. A UGF is not expensive, they are easy to use and are pretty much maintenance free but not really suited to a planted aquarium where they can interfere with and damage plant roots

Well hopefully that covers some important information regarding filters and now you will have a better idea of exactly which freshwater aquarium filter system you need for your own aquarium.

Don’t forget, if in doubt ask at your local pet shop before parting with any cash