This article is a follow up of my previous post on

Saltwater Filters – Part 1

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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.

Are Fish Tank Filters Really That Important?

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Other than a heater, fish tank filters are probably the most important element in an aquarium set up. Without using proper fish tank filters, the water in your tank will be stagnant, cloudy and make it almost impossible for your fish to live well.

In general, fish tank filters come in two main categories; external and internal. Both these fish tank filters can be used for either salt water or fresh water tanks.

Internal Fish Tank Filters

Internal fish tank filters come in two basic types. The first type of internal filter, the undergravel filter, is usually used in fresh water fish tanks. Undergravel filters consist of a raised plastic grate which lies on the base of the aquarium with gravel placed over it as base material. Clear vertical tubes are attached to holes in the filter and these have either a power head which sits on top or sometimes a bubbler inserted in them. The gravel acts as a filter as water is forced to flow through it, collecting sediments, excess food and fish waste and pumping clear water back up the tube into the tank.

The other type of internal filter is similar to a sump tank that lies just below the main tank, used mainly for salt water aquariums. This filtration system has an internal tube which flows water into the sump, from which it is then pumped through a series of filters that traps all the waste material and even bad bacteria. The water that is filtered is then pumped back into the tank from the top, providing not only filtration but also excellent circulation. This type of filter can be a little expensive and noisy but it is a lot better than the gravel type. However, if you are considering it, bear in mind that you would have to custom build your fish tank to support the sump base. Almost all ready made fish tanks are generally not capable of this type of filtration system.

External Fish Tank Filters

External fish tank filters are the best type of filtration system to use if you are able to afford it. Because the filtering happens outside of the aquarium, it keeps the clean filtered water separated from the unfiltered water before it is returned pristine to the tank. Generally, external filters have a few long hoses connected to them, providing separate supply and return routes. Though it is the most effective filtration system, it is however the most expensive.

Local pet stores generally carrying the cheaper types of filters, mainly the fish tank undergravel filter. If you’re planning to get the more expensive version which are generally more effective, you would have to look for the filter of your choice at a specialized fish store. If you do decide on investing for a better fish tank filter, it would be advisable to install an external filter. It would initially cost more but in the long run, having an external filter would save you on maintenance costs and provide your fish with a healthy environment to live longer and even breed.

Recommended article:

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Fish Tank Filters