How To Select The Right Fish Tank Filter

Fish tank filters are the most important equipment for any aquarium. Along with fish tank heaters, aquarium filters form a system that ensure the living conditions in a tank is just right for healthy and vibrant fish.

Selecting a fish tank filter that is right for you is more of a personal matter. While different types of filters function is different ways, they all perform the same functions which is to filter the water of debris and externals that would reduce the water quality.

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 carbon filter is extremely porous and traps waste and phosphates in its pores. It is also able to remove ammonia and odor from the water. Chemical filtration isn't really important but is useful to filter out excess chemicals used to treat sick fish in a quarantine tank.

Mechanical filtration is the process of removing large waste and sediments from the tank. This is the most basic filtration but is no less important.

Biological filtration is the most important filtration task. Biological filters utilize a colony of beneficial bacteria to filter out toxins and decay from the tank. This form of filtration is an absolute must in order to have a healthy and thriving tank of fish.

Usually almost all fish tank filters perform mechanical and biological filtration. 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 filter and finally the amount of time that you have for fish tank maintenance. Here is a general look at the various types of fish tank filters being sold today:

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, bacterial colony builds up on the filter media providing biological filtration. Box filters are cheap but should only be used in small tanks as they are generally not that efficient. They are not very famous these days because the box which is placed inside the tank tends does not compliment the decoration. They require weekly cleaning but are easily to clean.

Undergravel Filters: A layer of gravel sits on top of a plastic platform. Using a pump, water is suck from beneath 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. The weekly cleaning that you need to do involves vacuuming the layer of muck that will accumulate just above the gravel.

Sponge Filters: Fairly efficient, these filters are usually used as a secondary filter to compliment the filtration of a main filter. 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.

Power Filters: These are the most common filters used by most fish enthusiasts. they are very efficient and provides a complete filtration process. Their mid range prices, efficient filtration and easy maintenance makes this the most popular fish tank filter sold today. Excellent for a mid size tank.

Canister Filters: These filters are meant for larger tanks which require powerful filters. Canister filters are expensive but they provide the perfect filtration solution. The 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.

Think carefully about the fish tank filter that you wish to buy because it should be an investment that is supposed to last you for many years. Selecting the right aquarium filter for you will ensure not only healthy and vibrant fish but a hobby that will be totally satisfying.

If you like more help on deciding on the right fish tank filters to buy or for great deals and discounts for top aquarium filter brands, visit Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org now.

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