Freshwater Aquarium Filtration Archives

Why You Need a Canister Filter and What Brands to Consider

Filters are not only what keeps the water in your tank flowing, but they also help to remove harmful toxins from the water and keep the oxygen content at a healthy level. Some filters even provide biological filtration, giving beneficial bacteria a place to grow. If you are thinking about buying a new filter for your aquarium, consider a canister filter – these filters are a type of external filtration system that are capable of utilizing a greater quantity of filter media than most other filter types without…

A canister filter provides a convenient, efficient method of filtration for your aquarium. Learn how a canister filter works and why you should use one.

Adequate filtration is of the utmost importance when it comes to maintaining a healthy, thriving aquarium. Filters are not only what keeps the water in your tank flowing, but they also help to remove harmful toxins from the water and keep the oxygen content at a healthy level. Some filters even provide biological filtration, giving beneficial bacteria a place to grow. If you are thinking about buying a new filter for your aquarium, consider a canister filter – these filters are a type of external filtration system that are capable of utilizing a greater quantity of filter media than most other filter types without taking up any space inside the aquarium. If you are looking for a convenient, efficient method of filtration for your aquarium, a canister filter is the right choice.

How Canister Filters Work

A canister filter is just what it sounds like – a canister that houses filter media. Canister filters come in a variety of shapes and sizes but they all consist of a solid, canister-like housing filled with filter media and outfitted with a pump. The way a canister filter works is fairly simple – the pump at the top of the filter draws aquarium water up through the intake pipe and into the canister where it is forced through the filter media. Depending on the type of filter media being used in the canister filter, both solid and dissolved wastes may be filtered from the tank water before it is pumped back out of the canister and returned to the aquarium through the return tube. Unlike hang-on filters, canister filters are completely sealed which enables them to create a siphon effect in both the intake and return tubes. This means that the height difference between the canister filter and the aquarium does not matter – the pump should still be able to easily lift the water out of the canister after it has been filtered and return it to the tank, even if the filter is stored in a cabinet below the tank.

Benefits of Canister Filters

One of the main benefits associated with canister filters is that they are able to accommodate a much greater quantity of filter media than many other types of filter. This being the case, you can load your canister filter with multiple types of filter media, if you like, to ensure that certain toxins or chemicals are removed from your tank. In addition to being able to hold a great quantity of filter media, various supplementary filtration devices like carbon dioxide diffusers and water heaters or chillers can also be attached to canister filters. Because canister filters are external, they do not take up any space inside your tank and they can easily be concealed inside an aquarium storage cabinet. This also means that they can be disconnected from the tank for maintenance and cleaning without disturbing your tank occupants. All of these benefits make canister filters a great choice for freshwater tanks, especially larger tanks having a 40-gallon capacity or more.

Recommended Brands and Models

Regardless which type of filter you choose, you will always have to make the additional choice of which brand and model is best for your tank. When it comes to canister filters, some of the big brand names are Eheim, Marineland and Fluval. Eheim offers their Classic and Pro series canister filters, both guaranteed to provide constant water circulation as well as mechanical/biological filtration and oxygen enrichment. The Classic filter comes in three different sizes, rated for tanks between 66 and 159 gallons and they are capable of providing a pump output between 116 and 263 gph. The Pro series offers a line of advanced, high-capacity filters for large aquariums up to 320 gallons in capacity. These filters are energy efficient, professional grade and come with a variety of unique features such as a self-primer, safety hose adapters to facilitate quick fill-up and multiple baskets to accommodate different types of filter media.

Some of the most popular canister filters from Marineland are the Magnum and C-Series filters. Magnum filters are essentially two filters in one, offering both filtration and water polishing. Tank water enters the canister filter, flows through the filter media and is returned through the water polishing system. The H.O.T. Magnum filter is a lightweight, super compact canister filter recommended for tanks up to 50 gallons in capacity. These filters feature powerful, self-starting pumps that can filter up to 250 gallons per hour. Marineland also offers their multistage C-Series canister filter which are easy to use and provide 3-stage filtration. Aquarium water is forced through stacked media filter trays, undergoing mechanical, chemical and biological filtration all before being returned to the tank. These filters come in 4 different sizes to accommodate tanks between 30 to 150 gallons.

Fluval is a popular brand for a variety of aquarium supplies and they also offer several different types of canister filter. The Fluval G Series is a high-tech, premium filter that incorporates an electronic monitoring system as well as a programmable schedule reminder. These filters provide the utmost convenience and innovation for serious aquarium hobbyists who want to incorporate advanced technology into their aquariums. G Series canister filters offer top-loading media cartridges which make it easy to switch out filter media and the pump output is up to 665 gph. In addition to their G Series, Fluval also offers the FX5 canister filter, a professional filtration system with a built-in electronic circuit board to monitor performance. These filters are rated for tanks up to 400 gallons in capacity and provide many of the same features as the G Series in a more compact form. Eheim, Marineland and Fluval are only a few of the many companies that produce canister filters. Before you select one for your tank, do your research to determine what size filter you need and think about what features appeal to you. The more effort you put into your decision, the better equipped you will be to select the canister filter that is right for you and for your tank.

The Basics & Benefits Of Hang-On Filters

When it comes to selecting a filter for your freshwater aquarium, you have many options to choose from. One of the most popular types of filter, and also one of the most basic and easy to use, is the hang-on filter. These filters literally hang on the back of your aquarium. After being filtered, the water is then returned to your tank via some kind of waterfall or return spout. Not only are hang-on filters convenient and easy to use, but they are also relatively affordable – even a large filter will cost you less than…

Hang-on filters are one of the most basic and inexpensive filters for the freshwater aquarium. Learn how easy hang-on filters are to use and maintain and why you may want one for your aquarium set up!

When it comes to selecting a filter for your freshwater aquarium, you have many options to choose from. One of the most popular types of filter, and also one of the most basic and easy to use, is the hang-on filter. These filters literally hang on the back of your aquarium and suck tank water up through an intake tube. After being filtered, the water is then returned to your tank via some kind of waterfall or return spout. Not only are hang-on filters convenient and easy to use, but they are also relatively affordable – even a large filter will cost you less than $80. Before you select a hang-on filter, however, it is wise to learn a bit more about this type of equipment so you can make an informed decision.

What to Know About Hang-on Filters

A hang-on filter is a type of power filter that is perfect for the aquarium hobbyist who desires a filtration system that requires little maintenance. Hang-on filters typically consist of little more than the filter body (the housing), the intake tube and the filter media cartridge. While older models may have a detachable motor, most new models have the motor incorporated so it is not necessary to remove and clean it. Depending on the size of the filter, there may be one or two return spouts that serve as the means of returning filtered water back into the tank. The filter cartridge acts as a medium for mechanical, chemical and biological filtration and some hang-on filters even come with a detachable bio-wheel for the facilitation of extra biological filtration.

The maintenance required by hang-on filters is fairly minimal compared to other types of filters. Aside from replacing the filter media once every 3 to 4 weeks, a hang-on filter should require little else. Over time, algae may build up on the intake tube and inside the filter housing, but this can easily be rinsed or scrubbed away when necessary. For filters having a bio-wheel component, the bio-wheel should never be cleaned or allowed to dry completely because the beneficial bacteria growing in the wheel could die.

Benefits of Hang-on Filters

In addition to being inexpensive, hang-on filters are also one of the easiest types of standard filter to use. All you need to do to set up your hang-on filter is to assemble the intake tube and filter cartridge, hang the filter on the back of the tank and plug it in. Older models should not be run dry – they should be filled with tank water before plugging them in – but many newer models state on the packaging that this step is not necessary. Not only do hang-on filters perform the function of mechanical filtration, removing solid waste particles from the water, but they also provide chemical and biological filtration. Chemical filtration involves the removal of dissolved wastes and toxins from tank water and it is generally accomplished through the use of filter media like activated carbon. Biological filtration is accomplished through the use of a bio-wheel or through beneficial bacteria forming colonies on the filter media as well as the filter itself. All three of these filtration methods are important in maintaining a healthy, fully functioning freshwater tank.

Popular Brands and Models

Marineland® is one of the biggest names in aquarium filtration and they have several lines of hang-on filters including Penguin® and Emperor®. The Emperor® line of hang-on filters provides aquarium hobbyists with all the basic filtration an aquarium needs, utilizing a two-pump system to create an efficacy unmatched by other brands. Penguin® filters have the added component of patented BIO-Wheel technology which contributes to the three-stage filtration offered by these filters – mechanical, chemical and biological. Both lines of Marineland® filters offer models in a variety of sizes to accommodate tanks as small as 5 gallons and as large as 80 gallons in capacity. Get current pricing for this top-rated filter here.

Another popular company known for manufacturing hang-on filters is Hagen®, the company that produces the AquaClear™ line of filters. These filters provide mechanical, chemical and biological filtration while also incorporating additional filter media like Amrid for the removal of ammonia. AquaClear™ filters utilize both foam and carbon inserts to remove solid wastes and to foster colonies of beneficial bacteria essential for maintaining the nitrogen cycle. Hagen® filters come in a variety of sizes to accommodate tanks between 20 and 110 gallons in capacity. When I started my first aquarium, I used an AquaClear™ filter and was very satisfied with the performance. Check it out here.

Aqueon® is known for their QuietFlow™ line of hang-on power filters. These filters are designed to meet the needs of both aquarium fish and the aquarium hobbyist by providing quality filtration with little noise. QuietFlow™ filters utilize four stages of filtration – mechanical, chemical, biological and wet/dry filtration in order to keep tank water clean and clear. These filters enhance the water quality in your tank by increasing the oxygen content and by removing harmful toxins and dissolved wastes. QuietFlow™ hang-on filters are available in five different sizes to accommodate tanks ranging from 10 to 75 gallons.

The Undergravel Filter – Good Investment Or Waste Of Time?

The undergravel filter has its drawbacks. But some aquarists swear by it. Is the undergravel filter a good investment, or a waste of time? You decide.

An undergravel filter is merely one of the many varieties of aquarium filters on the market. These filters are relatively simple in design, consisting of little more than a plastic grate that is placed under the gravel and attached to an intake tube. Because they are so simple in design and do not require the use of filter media, undergravel filters are relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice among novice aquarists. Before you go out and buy an undergravel filter, however, there are a few things you should know.

How Undergravel Filters Work

An undergravel filter generally consists of a plastic filter plate which is placed on the bottom of the tank before the gravel or other substrate is added. This slotted filter plate is attached to one or more intake tubes which pull aquarium water down through the filter plate. This process is generally driven by air displacement – air stones are inserted into the base of the intake tubes and, as the air bubbles force water out of the tubes, negative pressure is created under the filter plate. In response to the negative pressure, aquarium water filters down through the gravel and into the intake tubes. Alternatively, a powerhead can be attached to the intake tubes of an undergravel filter in order to provide more powerful suction and increased circulation.

Type of Filtration Offered By An Undergravel Filter

The main function of an undergravel filter is to provide biological filtration. Because beneficial bacteria feed on the organic waste and debris that accumulates in the substrate of your tank, an undergravel filter creates a perfect environment for these bacteria to grow. As aquarium water is filtered through the gravel it is also being circulated and oxygenated, making it an even more desirable environment for bacteria. Some undergravel filters can be adapted for chemical filtration through the use of an activated carbon cartridge which may help to remove toxins and dissolved wastes. Because the filter cartridges for undergravel filters are so small, however, they provided very limited chemical filtration.

Risks Associated with Undergravel Filters

Over time, solid waste and debris will build up at the bottom of your tank because the aquarium water is being filtered down through the gravel. As waste accumulates, the ammonia level in your tank will rise. Ammonia is a substance toxic to fish so, unless you take quick action to remedy high ammonia levels, your fish could die. In addition to resulting in increased waste accumulation along the bottom of the tank, undergravel filters can also cause the gravel to become packed. When this happens your undergravel filter may stop working entirely. If you do not monitor your aquarium closely, the failure of your filter could go unnoticed for quite some time and your fish could suffer in the meantime.

Undergravel filters have also been known to cause problems in planted tanks. Because an undergravel filter works by drawing aquarium water down through the gravel and into the filter plate, rooted aquarium plants could be affected. Not only can the roots of aquarium plants clog an undergravel filter but the suction of the filter could actually damage the plant roots and the excess water circulation could hinder their growth. If you want to keep live plants in an aquarium that has an undergravel filter it is wise to place a barrier between the plant roots and the filter plate. You may also choose to pot your plants as a means of avoiding conflict between the roots and the filter plate. Avoid this problem altogether by choosing an alternate means of filtration, such as a canister or hang on the back filter.

How to Make the Best Use of an Undergravel Filter

Undergravel filters are generally not recommended as the sole source of filtration in an aquarium. This type of filter can be beneficial, however, as a supplemental source of biological filtration. If you do plan to use an undergravel filter in your tank, keep in mind that because a large volume of aquarium water is being filtered through the gravel you may have a higher build-up of waste in your substrate than you might otherwise experience. This being the case, it is especially important to keep up with your routine water changes and to vacuum your gravel regularly to prevent excessive waste build-up which could lead to toxic levels of ammonia and nitrites in your tank. In addition to regularly cleaning your tank, avoid overfeeding your fish. If you only feed your fish as much as they can consume in 3 to 5 minutes there will be less food leftover to sink to the bottom of the tank – which means less waste to clog the undergravel filter.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Sponge Filter

A sponge filter is the most basic type of aquarium filter. There are situations where this type of filtration is best used for and situations where it is not. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of using…

A sponge filter is the most basic type of aquarium filter. There are situations where this type of filtration is best used for and situations where it is not. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of using a sponge filter.

Aquarium filters come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and each type of filter functions in a slightly different way. Hang-on filters are one of the most popular types of aquarium filter because they incorporate both mechanical and chemical filtration – some models even incorporate biological filtration. One of the most complex filtration systems is the sump system which is often used to filter large or multiple tanks. The most basic type of aquarium filter, however, is the sponge filter. This type of filter is very straightforward and easy to use but it is not recommended for all types of aquariums.

What is a Sponge Filter?

A sponge filter typically consists of little more than an air pump attached to an intake tube surrounded by a sponge. As water is sucked up through the intake tube, solid waste particles are trapped in the pores of the sponge so the water being returned to the tank is relatively clean. This type of filter is available in a variety of sizes so it can be used as either a main filter for a small tank or as a supplemental filter for a large tank. Because sponge filters have a limited range when it comes to water intake, they are not recommended as the main filter for large tanks.

Type of Filtration Offered By A Sponge Filter

Sponge filters are one of the most basic, inexpensive filters you can buy. Because they are so basic, however, their function is somewhat limited. This type of filter is designed to provide mechanical filtration but not chemical filtration. This simply means that a sponge filter can help to remove solid waste particles from the water in your tank but it cannot help with the removal of toxins or dissolved organic pollutants. On the plus side, a sponge filter can be an excellent biological filter. The sponge is a perfect place for beneficial bacteria to grow – bacteria which are an essential part of the nitrogen cycle which helps to convert harmful toxins like ammonia into less harmful substances called nitrates.

Recommended Uses For A Sponge Filter

Because sponge filters cannot provide chemical filtration, they are not recommended for use as the main source of filtration in freshwater tanks. If you have a large tank, however, and are looking for supplemental sources of filtration for the purpose of waste control, a sponge filter may be the right choice. The most appropriate use for a sponge filter is in a hospital/quarantine tank or in a nursery tank. Both newly-hatched fry and sick or injured fish need to be kept in a tank with relatively gentle water flow which is exactly what a sponge filter provides. The suction created by a sponge filter is not strong enough to put fry in danger or to cause stress in a sick or injured fish but it is adequate to remove solid waste particles from the water in your nursery or hospital tank.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Sponge Filters

One of the main benefits of a sponge filter is that they are incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is slide a sponge onto the end of the intake tube then place the filter in your tank and plug it in. Sponge filters are ideal for tanks with a small water volume because they provide the necessary aeration and mechanical filtration without creating an overly strong current. Another benefit of sponge filters is that they are one of the least expensive types of filter. Once you purchase the air pump the only recurring costs you will face is the cost of replacement sponges which may cost you as little as $3 to $5 per month. This small cost can even be avoided by washing the sponge filter with aquarium water to prevent killing the beneficial bacteria.

The most frequently-cited drawback of sponge filters is the lack of a chemical filtration component. Filter media like activated carbon is necessary in order to filter out harmful toxins and dissolved organic wastes from aquarium water – tasks which a sponge filter is unequipped to fulfill. While sponge filters do provide excellent biological filtration, they fall short in this regard. In order to take advantage of the benefits of a sponge filter, consider installing a sponge filter only as a supplemental source of filtration in your main tank or limit its use to your hospital or nursery tanks.

Aquarium Filtration – The 3 Types Explained

Filtration is the key to keeping your aquarium water clean and clear and, as such, it plays a significant role in keeping your fish healthy. Filtration is actually a relatively simple concept to understand, and once you grasp the basics, you will be equipped to…

There are 3 main types of aquarium filtration. Learn how employing all 3 types will ensure crystal clear water and healthier, happier fish!

If you are new to the aquarium hobby, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you need to learn before setting up your first tank. Things like fish compatibility and the nitrogen cycle may seem like foreign concepts that are too difficult to understand, but with just a little reasearch, these concepts are easier to understand than you think. One of the most important things you need to learn about, however, is also relatively easy to understand if you make the effort to do so. Filtration is the key to keeping your aquarium water clean and clear and, as such, it plays a significant role in keeping your fish healthy. Filtration is actually a relatively simple concept to understand, and once you grasp the basics, you will be equipped to select the right filter for your particular aquarium.

Mechanical Filtration

The first type of aquarium filtration is also the most basic – mechanical filtration. This type of filtration simply involves the removal of solid waste from the water in your aquarium. In the aquarium, solid waste may take the form of uneaten fish food, feces and plant matter. Different types of aquarium filters function in different ways but, in most cases, mechanical filtration is accomplished through the use of an intake valve or tube which sucks up the water in the aquarium and filters it through a sponge, or other media, before spitting it back out into the tank. As the water passes through the sponge, solid waste particles become trapped, leaving the water that is returned to the tank that much cleaner. Over time, waste particles will clog the sponge so it must be replaced, or cleaned, at least once a month to ensure adequate filtration.

Chemical Filtration

While some type of sponge is generally sufficient to remove solid waste particles from aquarium water, it cannot remove dissolved wastes and organic pollutants. Some of the pollutants chemical filtration helps to remove include organic acids, proteins, hormones, metabolic waste and organic compounds. In order to remove these substances, many aquarium filters include some type of chemical filter media like activated carbon. As water is taken up into the filter it passes through the sponge, which absorbs solid waste particles, and the filter media which absorbs the organic pollutants. Chemical filtration also helps to remove a variety of toxins including ammonia and nitrate, though a third type of filtration is necessary to completely remove these toxins from tank water.

Biological Filtration

The third type of aquarium filtration, biological filtration, is often overlooked by novice aquarists but it is just as important as the other two types. Rather than involving the removal and physical filtration of aquarium water, biological filtration simply refers to the establishment and maintenance of a colony of nitrifying bacteria in your tank. As debris builds up in the bottom of your aquarium it will begin to break down and produce ammonia, a toxin harmful to fish. The beneficial bacteria take that ammonia and convert it into nitrites and then into nitrates which are not harmful in small doses. This process, called the nitrogen cycle, is imperative to the healthy maintenance of your aquarium and it is carried out by two types of bacteria – nitrosomonas and nitrobacter.

Some aquarium filters, such as hang on the back filters, now include a sort of wheel which spins as filtered water is returned to the tank. This wheel serves no other function but to provide beneficial bacteria with a place to grow. If your aquarium filter does not have a biological filtration component there are other places in your tank where the bacteria are likely to grow. Beneficial bacteria inhabit the substrate in your tank as well as large in-tank surfaces such as rocks and other aquarium décor. If this is the only form of biological filtration you have going in your tank, be careful not to clean your substrate and tank decorations all at once or you may kill off your entire colony of beneficial bacteria at once.

Tips for Selecting an Aquarium Filter

When it comes time to choose the main filter for your aquarium, it is wise to select one that incorporates all three types of filtration. If you are simply looking for a supplemental filter for your tank or for a filter for a hospital or nursery tank, however, a filter that provides only mechanical filtration may be sufficient. Chemical filtration is not recommended for hospital tanks because the filter media may filter out any treatment you administer. In a breeding or nursery tank, fry are unlikely to produce a significant amount of waste necessitating the use of anything more than mechanical filtration.

Though there are only three types of aquarium filtration, there are many types of aquarium filters on the market. These filters range from basic sponge filters to complex sump systems so it is easy to become confused when trying to make a decision. If you are unsure what type of filter is best suited to your tank, do some research and read consumer reviews to get a feel for the different types and brands of filters available. If you prefer, you may also speak to the professionals at your local pet store for recommendations. Once you have chosen the type of filter you want to use all you have to do is purchase one the correct size for your particular tank. After you have set up the filter, you will have relatively little as far as filter maintenance is concerned. Simply replace the filter media once a month and this, along with regular water changes, will help to keep your aquarium clean and clear.

By employing all three types of aquarium filtration, your fish will enjoy much cleaner water and more stable water parameters, and you’ll enjoy the time saved for aquarium maintenance and have happier, healthier fish.