But Aren’t All Fish Tank Filters The Same?

This is a follow up from an earlier post titled “Ideal Fish Tank Filters For A Small Aquarium“.

Quick Links

Well, I hate to say it but not all fish tank filters are created equal. It is true that some perform better than others while there are also fish tank filters that are suited for specific conditions and perform specific tasks. The also differ according to price and how often they need to be maintained. In this article I will expose you to the various choices of fish tank filters that you have and what you can do to select the ideal fish tank filters for your aquarium.

How Important Are Fish Tank Filters?

Fish tank filters are the most important equipment for any aquarium. Along with fish tank heaters, fish tank filters form a system that ensure the living conditions in a tank is just right for healthy and vibrant fish.  Choosing the right fish tank filters for you is also a matter of personal choice. Even though different fish tank filters work differently, they all have the same basic purpose which is to filter out debris and externals from the water which would otherwise contaminate it .

How Do Fish Tank Filters Work?

Fish tank filters generally perform one or more of the following filtration tasks: chemical, mechanical and biological.

Chemical filtration involves the removal of toxins and dissolved matter usually through activated carbon. The porous carbon filter traps phosphates and waste in its pore. It is also able to remove ammonia and odor 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 removes large waste and sediments from the aquarium. All fish tank filters perform this basic but important function.  Biological filtration is a very important filtration task.

Biological fish tank filters utilize a colony of beneficial bacteria to filter out toxins and decay from the tank. If you wish to have healthy and thriving fish, then biological filtration is an absolute must.

Different Types Of Fish Tank Filters

The main filtration function performed by almost all fish tank filters are biological and mechanical. The more expensive ones add on chemical filtration as well. Your choice of aquarium filters to use should 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 fish tank filters and finally how much time you are willing to set aside to clean it.

Here is a general look at the various types of fish tank filters being sold today:

1. Box Filters: Also known as Corner Filters, this is usually a clear box that contains filter floss and other media. Air is push through an air stone that in turn pumps water into the filter, through the floss and filter media which performs mechanical filtration. Over time, there will be a build up of bacterial colony providing biological filtration . Box filters are inexpensive 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 does not compliment the decoration. They require weekly cleaning but are easily to clean.
2. Undergravel Filters: A layer of gravel sits on top of a plastic platform. 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.
3. Aquarium Sponge Filter: These fairly efficient filters are usually used as a secondary filter attached to a main filter to further increase the filtration process. Sponge filters are cheap but the maintenance can be a bit messy because you’d need to remove the sponge from the tank and clean it before replacing it back again.
4. Power Filters: Most fish enthusiasts use this type of filter. They are very efficient and provides a complete filtration process. Some the reasons why they are so famous is because of the mid range price, efficient filtering and simple maintenance. Just right for a mid size tank.
5. Canister Filters: Meant mainly for larger thanks that need a powerful filter. Though they are expensive, they do perform the best filtration process than any other filters. 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 purchase because it should be an investment that is supposed to last you for many years. Selecting the right fish tank filters for you will ensure not only healthy and vibrant fish but a hobby that will be totally satisfying.

From selecting fish tank filters, let’s look into how to move fish between tanks safely.

This article is a follow up of my previous post on

Saltwater Filters – Part 1

Quick Links

In the last post we discussed why it is not right to use a freshwater filter for a salt water fish tank. In this post, we will be discussing the three main filtration systems used in saltwater filters, which are Protein Skimming, Live Rock and Live Sand. I will refrain from making a recommendation on saltwater filters but I will be presenting the pros and cons of each so that you will be able to make a personal decision on which to use in your salt water fish tank.

Saltwater Filters #1: Protein Skimmers

Protein Skimming is the process of removing any organic waste from the aquarium water before it even has the time to be broken down into ammonia. They do not break down the waste into any other forms.

The way these saltwater filters function is by having the waste bond to bubbles inside the skimmer column and this is then removed into the skimmer’s collection cup. This way of filtering a salt water fish tank has a huge advantage over all the other ways, which is there is no end product such as nitrate. Choosing the correct size protein skimmer for your salt water fish tank will prove very effective in removing any organic waste from the water, giving you the pleasure of a tank that has a very slow nitrate build up.

The immediate removal of organic waste also stabilizes the alkalinity of the water, maintaining calcium levels and encourages the growth of coraline algae which are excellent in preventing the outbreak of hair algae and cynobacterias.

Then there is also the benefit of not having to do too many water changes. Having a good protein skimmer in your salt water fish tank reduces the need to change aquarium water too much, saving you big bucks on your water bill, not to mention the back ache that follows a water change.

But even though it is very slow, nitrate and ammonia will eventually build up and this is the job of Live Rock and Live Sand.

Saltwater Filters #2:  Live Rock and Live Sand

Live Rock and Live Sand are natural biological saltwater filters. The way they function is by breaking down ammonia into nitrite, then nitrite into nitrate and finally nitrate into nitrogen gas. The major difference between conventional biological filters and these is the end product they produce. Biological filters produce nitrate which still needs to be removed from the water manually. Live Sand and Live Rock produce nitrogen gas which leaves the aquarium naturally and is harmless to the aquatic life you have.

When using Live Sand, it is recommended that you have a deep sand bed in order to maximize on the filtration that it produces.

I must say here that Live Sand and especially Live Rock can be costly but in a future post, I will share with you some ways of saving up by “creating” your own Live Rock.

So in summary, in my opinion well functioning saltwater filters for a healthy salt water fish tank will consist of a correct sized Protein Skimmer, Live Rock and Live Sand on a sand bed that’s 4″ to 6″ deep.

I hope this article has been useful in helping you decide on how to properly set up saltwater filters.

How Often Should You Change Fish Tank Filter Media?

Quick Links

This is often the most asked question for fish tank enthusiasts and the answer you will receive will be just as varied.  There really is no fixed rule to the frequency of changing fish tank filter media but there will come a time when you will have to.

The most important aspect about having an aquarium is keeping the water clean and clear.  Everyone knows that this is the job of the fish tank filter and because of this there is a misconception that the fish tank filter media needs to be replaced as often as possible.  Actually, how frequent you replace the fish tank filter media will depend on a number of conditions such as how big your tank is, how many fish you have in it, the size of your filter, what type of filter are you using and how many filters you have.

Fish Tank Filter Media Conditions:

The Size Of Your Fish Tank

The bigger the fish tank, the larger the filter should be.  If you have a large tank with an insufficient filter, the filter media will need to be replaced often.  In order that you do not have to change it that much, switch to a larger filter or have more than one filter if your tank is really big.  Check of the size recommendations from the dealer before you buy a filter.

The Number Of Fish You Have

If you have a lot of fish in your tank, your fish tank filter will need to work harder in order to maintain the purity of the water.  Thus, your filter media will need more changing.  Just like a larger tank, if you have many fish in there try switching to a larger filter or use two filters at once.

The Different Types Of Fish Tank Filter

The filters do not just differ in prices but the also differ in the frequency that you will need to change the filter media.  The filters that require the least maintenance and change are canister filters.  The choice of filter that you but will determine the amount of time and money you spend maintaining and change media.  You might think it a waste to spend so much on an expensive filter but it will save you a lot in the long run.

You will also need to take note of the size because filters that are bigger tend to need less maintenance and change.  Using a larger filter will be more expensive at first but you will save in the long run.

Now that you know about changing fish tank filter media, why not read up about how to change aquarium water.

Aquarium Sponge Filter – Do They Really Work?

This post is a follow up from my previous post “Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Fish Tank Filters“.

Quick Links

Faced with an array of modern, powered filters these days, many fish enthusiasts do seem to ignore one cheap and relatively good method of filtering the water form their fish tanks. I’m talking about the aquarium sponge filter which is a low budget alternative in case you’re a little tight around the budget. Properly setup and maintained, an aquarium sponge filter provides good mechanical and biological filtration other than supplying oxygen to the aquarium.

Aquarium sponge filter works really well for tanks meant for fry and also quarantine tanks. Because of the relatively low suction power of the aquarium sponge filter, small fry will not be sucked into the inlet valve of the filter. For quarantine tanks, the low water movement of the aquarium sponge filter will allow the sick fish ample rest as it recuperates, with placing too much stress on it. However, what you do need to realize is that it does not provide chemical filtration so it will not remove any medication that you might have used to treat the fish.

Another benefit of the aquarium sponge filter is that it is very easy to setup. This makes it an ideal filter for beginners as well as experienced breeders who need a quick filtration system.

How Does An Aquarium Sponge Filter Function

Powered by a small pump, water is sucked through the sponge, trapping sediments, waste and excess food. Also the sponges sold these days allow colonised bacteria which remove ammonia and nitrates from the water. The water suction is created by air lift tubes placed in the center of the aquarium sponge filter that have small holes pierced in them, with an air line inside where bubles will rise out off, sucking the water into them. The water then flows out of a return tube that is generally placed a the half way mark below the water level to provide a little current in the water. It’s as easy as that.

When you first use a brand new sponge, it will be able to remove the larger sediments but will need a few days to turn cloudy water pristine. This is because it needs to build up its colony of beneficial bacteria first, also called seeding. This can either be done the traditional way, that is by just letting the filter run its course but there are other faster ways of building up beneficial bacteria.

One popular method is to allow a brand new aquarium sponge filter to float around the tank for about a week before it is used, allowing it to pick up the beneficial bacteria and thus making it efficient from day one when you decide to use it.

The Disadvantages Of An Aquarium Sponge Filter

The main disadvantage of an aquarium sponge filter is that as it filters the water, it will definitely clog up with the larger sediments. Therefore, the sponge needs to be cleaned regularly. Never allow it to run more than a week without cleaning. It is easy to notice if it is time to clean the filters because the rate of water return will slow down and eventually the water will begin to get cloudy.

Cleaning the aquarium sponge filter is very easy. Just remove the sponge from the inlet tube and gently squeeze it in old tank water or declorinated water. Never clean an aquarium sponge filter with direct tap water because the clorine from the tap will kill off the beneficial bacteria.

After reading about Aquarium Sponge Filter, why not continue reading Fish Tank pH: Is It Really That Important?

This post is a follow up from my previous post “Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Fish Tank Filters“.

What Are Power Fish Tank Filters?

Quick Links

Power filters are a popular type of fish tank filters used today. One major advantage of power filters is that it is able to be used along with any filtration system. A power filter generally provides chemical, biological and even mechanical filtration. They run on electricity and comes with an internal motor. Power filters come in a number of sizes and another determining factor for the choice of filter to select is power consumption. Most power filters are equip with different built-in flow adjusters and multi-directional outlets that can be suited to meet the specific needs of various aquariums.

Usually these fish tank filters hang on the back of the aquarium and suck in water through an inlet tube which is placed inside the aquarium. The water then flows through a series of filtration pads and filter media. The filtration pads act as chemical filters, having contained within them charcoal that also traps debris. The filter media acts as biological filters. After passing through these two filters, the clean water is returned back into the fish tank.

How Do Power Fish Tank Filters Work?

Power fish tank filters are powered by a powerhead which is a piece of equipment located either inside or on top of the power filter. It consists of an electric motor which drive a pump and is sealed in hard plastic. It is this pump that sucks in the water, forces it through the fish tank filters and returns the clean water back into the tank. The speed and force of the water can be adjusted by regulating the airflow into the filter through adjustable valves. This is a very useful function especially when using power filters in small tanks or when there are small fish present, when having too strong currents into the tanks might be detremental to the fish’s health. Regulating the water flow will also allow its direction to be directed into a specific area of your fish tank.

More Fish Tank Filters Advantages

Another advantage of using a power filter is that it is able to draw water faster than most conventional air pumps. This allows a greater volume of water to be filtered in a shorter period of time. This function is very useful when you have a tank that is very cloudy and need to urgently clear up the water.

While it does need minimal cleaning, there is some maintenance that needs to be done. Generally, what needs regular cleaning every week of fortnight is the filtration pad that will get clogged from the excess food, fish waste and sediments that is sucked into the fish tank filters.

Continues in the next article:  What Are Undergravel Fish Tank Filters?