Perfect Aquarium Filtration. What Do You Need to Know?

Inexperienced aquarists are sure that the cleanliness of the aquarium and the normal existence of its inhabitants depends solely on how often the water changes. In reality, installing a filter in an aquarium provides the appropriate conditions for the existence of the underwater world, and deprives you of the need to frequently change the water. But the choice of equipment is not an easy task, since manufacturers offer many options. But, then how to choose a filter for an aquarium? We have prepared some useful information.

The main varieties of filters for aquariums

The installation method divides them into external and internal. That is, they are installed respectively outside and inside the aquariums.

Internal filters. They are the most popular, differ in quite a budget price and good work. As a rule, filters are designed for a volume of up to 500 liters, which is quite enough for most aquariums. Sometimes it makes sense to install two such filters on opposite sides of the aquarium and thereby increase the filtering volume.

External filters. When it comes to choosing a filter for an aquarium from 150 to 1500 liters, users pay attention to external devices: they are more efficient. Filters are installed outside, and water is circulated to it from the aquarium, cleaned, and returned.

Power and performance

Accounting for the amount of energy consumed is an important factor to consider when choosing a filter. Now all manufacturers are trying to reduce this figure by using more efficient pumps. Be sure to consider performance, this is one of the important points.

All manufacturers indicate the appropriate volume of the aquarium in the specifications. We recommend taking their values ​​and adding a little more. For example, if the box says “for 500 liters”, take this filter for a volume of 200-300 liters. In this case, you will not have restrictions on the number of fish (within reasonable limits), and you will have to clean the filter very rarely.

Peculiarities of filtering

Filters purify water in different ways and, depending on the purification method, are divided into:

• Mechanical.
• Biological.
• Chemical.

The first option cleans the water of debris by passing water through a sponge.

Biological filtration is usually a material in which beneficial strains of bacteria are colonized (which, for example, decompose ammonia into less harmful components). The filling in such filters can be porous ceramics.

Chemical filtration is necessary to remove various kinds of substances from water using chemical reactions. Absorbents are often used as a filler (for example, activated carbon).

How should the filter in the aquarium be installed?

Internal filters are installed inside aquariums. They are attached to the walls by means of suction cups or magnetic holders. They are located horizontally or vertically.

External hanging filters are mounted on the back wall of the aquarium, and they do not take up space inside.

External canisters are also installed outside. At the same time, it is important to ensure that they are located below the water level: this is the only way water will flow into the cleaning device. Devices can work for a long time without maintenance, but it is sometimes necessary to check the reliability of fasteners and rubber gaskets.

We hope the article was helpful. Find the bet variety of aquarium filters and other means and accessories just by visiting the Pondkeeper website.

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