Aquarium Filtration

Aquarium filtration can appear frustrating once you look at each of the filtration system kinds offered. In lots of ways, fish tank filtration is among the most complex and challenging aspect of fishkeeping but can be made easy by a proper filter. Some systems are more effective than others and the final effect often depends on how much money you spend.

There are three kinds of aquarium filtration: biological, chemical and mechanical. An aquarium filtration system ensures that the water in an aquarium stays clean by using all those types.

Mechanical aquarium filtration

This filter media type removes solid particles from the water via the aquarium filter while pulling water through sponge kind of media catching large particles. Those particles can clog the filter when accumulated and diminish the water flow. Because of that the filter must be cleaned periodically.

Biological aquarium filtration

This is by far the most important of all three, here the toxins get broken down. The main issue is to provide enough surface for enough bacteria to colonize in order to efficiently remove the toxins About Biological Aquarium Filtration Biological filtration deals with the removal of nitrogen breakdown by-products from the water. you need some form of aquarium filtration to control the toxic ammonia.

Common material used in biological filters include lava chips, porous ceramic hoops, large surface plastic media, special sponges. Providing there is enough of the media for the bacteria to settle on, the level of the bacteria will be always adequate to the amount of waste being produced by aquarium inhabitants.

Chemical filtration

Chemical media remove chemical pollutants from the water. Most common type of chemical aquarium filter is the active carbon. It removes chlorine, dyes, odors, metals, medications, fertilizers from the aquarium water. After a while it gets saturated and has to be replaced.

A large population of fish can produce a lot of waste, which can overwhelm aquarium filtration systems. There are several different types of aquarium filtration systems which all have different benefits and drawbacks.

Internal aquarium filters

Internal filters are attached to the inside of the fish tank and usually work submerged. They can contain all types of filtration media in small quantity, enough for a couple weeks work. Easy-to-replace filter cartridges provide optimal mechanical and chemical aquarium filtration and include activated carbon to make the water crystal clear.

External aquarium filters

Those filters suck and release the water through the pipes installed in the tank. External canister type filters can hold 10 times more media than internal filters, making the maintenance less frequent. They don’t take up precious space in the aquarium and don’t mess the interior visuals.

Aquarium water test kits

Water tests are the most reliable way to know how well your aquarium filtration works. Weekly testing is enough to monitor the toxin levels in the tank but after a major changes in the tank, daily testing may be necessary.

It is essential to have an aquarium filtration system for all aquariums or fish tanks, but there is no substitute for regular water changes no matter how good a filter system is.