Fish Tank Filter Basics

Fish tank filters are available in all types and in anywater changes. This not by any means a quick way
shape you need. The purpose aquarium filtration is toof filtering your fish tank. Cloudy fish tanks are
provide high water quality for your fish and keep theusually the result of a poorly working bacterial filter.
water clear and free of any debris. Aquariums areThe common ones are;o Ballso Tubeso Sphereso
closed systems, and that fragile eco-system relies onBeadso Cubes
you to thrive and grow. To achieve this you will need3 Types of Common Fish Tank Filters;o Box filters
to select the right type of filter and the correct size(Power Filters); These are the most common type of
for your tank.filters. They will usually come with your standard fish
3 Types of Fish Tank Filtration:o Mechanical: Thetank setup. They hang on the inside of the fish tank
most commonly used. It removes waste, excessand usually provide both mechanical and chemical
food. These filtration systems usually pump thefiltration. Not the best filter type, but they get the
water through some kind sponge, pad or membrane.job done.o Under Gravel Filters: This is a filter that is
These filters should be replaced regular based onplaced on the bottom of the fish tank and then
manufacturer's recommendations. Some of the morecovered by the aquarium gravel. They are a series of
common types are:o Flosso Spongeso Padso Sheetsoplates and the when the water is drawn through
Chemical: Activated charcoal is the most commonthem, they filter out debris. They don't work work
chemical filter. It is that same that is used in drinkingas well as box filters.o Wet/Dry Filters; These can sit
water filtration. Though the use of differenton the edge of the tank or underneath. These are
chemicals and distribution methods, the chemical isvery popular with hobbyists that like to build their
placed in a filter to reduce ammonia, phosphates andown filtration systems. It is usually a large open
many other toxins that are harmful to your fish.filtration system that has separate sections for each
Some of the toxins that chemical filters removetype of fish tank filtration. It's most commonly used
are;o Odorso Colorso Ammoniao Nitriteo Phosphatesby those of us that have a marine reef tanks. It is
and Nitrateso Biological: This is where you usethe one I recommend.
beneficial bacteria that convert organic material thatWhichever fish tank filter and filtration system you
have broken down into to harmful toxins an convertschoose, remember to install it correctly and change
them into a harmless nitrate. The nitrates are thenthe filters regularly.
filtered by a chemical filter (activated charcoal) or by