Aquarium Filtration - Keep Your Aquarium Healthy

Fish, like any other pet, need to be provided a safe and clean environment. Fish tanks can get quite dirty, and they are also breeding grounds for parasites and other free-flowing algae, which might harm your fish. For this purpose, a fish owner needs ensure that proper aquarium filtration is in place. This not only ensures that the tank remains clean, but a good filter will also keep the water oxygenated, warm and chemical free. Before you head out to buy an aquarium filter, read on to understand what aquarium filtration is all about, and how to pick the right filter for you.

What is Filtration for an aquarium?

Aquarium filtration is of three types: biological, mechanical and chemical. An aquarium filter also sterilizes the water, keeping your fish healthy and the walls of your freshwater tropical fish tank free from slimy algae. In case you have gone ahead and bought yourself tropical fish, then it is essential that they be kept warm. Once again, your aquarium filter will save the day as it not only produces warm water, but also ensures that the tank is uniformly heated and remains at a consistent temperature.

Now let’s talk about the different types of filtration, this is important because you need to ask all the right questions when buying your own filter.

• Biological filtration: This phase of filtration usually happens after friendly bacteria have multiplied and have begun to make the fish tank their home. The filter breaks down the toxins, mainly involving ammonia, into less harmful compounds, mainly nitrates. Add a few plants to the aquarium and they will use the nitrate as growth nutrients and thrive, aiding the filtration process.

• Chemical filtration: An important aspect of filtration is chemical filtration, which targets chemicals such as chlorine, heavy metals and even for treatment with medication. For this, filters make use of activated carbons, which absorb harmful chemicals and hold them.

• Mechanical filtration: This form of filtration is the most basic, where the filter acts as a sieve, keeping solid particles out of the water. This keeps the water hygienic and sparkling clean. A sponge or polyester fibre, are the most commonly used materials for this purpose.

Different kinds of Filter

Now that you know all about the filtration process, you need to learn about the different types of filters, and choose one which suits you. Some points you need to keep in mind before you buy a filter are:

• The kind of fish you have in your tank, whether tropical or coldwater
• The size of your fish tank.
• The number of fish in your tank.

Let’s look at the filters now, starting with the most basic:

- Sponge filter: Mainly a mechanical filter, this type of filter consists of a sponge, through which water is filtered. Ideal for small tanks, over time this filter starts performing biological filtering as well.

- Box filter: Air powered, these filters can be filled with any form of media that you want. They are best suited for small to medium sized tanks.

- Internal power filter: A bit more powerful than box filters, or any form of air-powered filters, internal power filters are powered by an electric centrifugal pump. They usually consist of sponge as the main media, but differ by providing additional chambers for other media of your choice. You can create multiple forms of filtration through the ingenious use of media in these filters, which can be used for tanks up to 4ft wide.

- External canister filters: Similar to Internal power filters; the only difference is that these filters are placed outside the tank. They draw water from the tank through one tube, and pass it back into the tank through another. Ideal for large tanks, especially those which contain numerous plants. They can also hold multiple media.

- Under-gravel filters: Functioning as biological and mechanical filters, these filters pull water through the gravel substrate. Equipped with a wider surface area of filtration, these filters even clear up dirt from amongst the gravel.

- Sump filters: Used for large tanks, these filters are placed outside the tank, and are used for heating and protein addition to the tank. They are quite complex, but can also be made at home.

- Trickle filters: Available in wet and dry forms, these filters are ideal for biological filtration and work on the same principle as sewage treatment plants. Suited for large tanks with a high population of fishes.

- Diatom filters: Small filters; these perform only mechanical filtration, and need to be cleaned after every use. Ideal for small tanks and the cleaning can get a little tedious.

- Fluidized bed filters: Special biological filters, the do not perform any other form of filtration, so you will need an external filter for mechanical and chemical filtration.

Now that you have a better idea about what you have and what you need in terms of your aquarium filtration needs, just head out to the nearest store and get the kind you need.