How to Install a Filter in Your Marine Aquarium

Marine aquarium filtration is very similar to freshwater aquarium filtration, and basically involves the three basic types: mechanical, biological and chemical.  But there are some requirements which need to be kept in mind if you want to keep your saltwater fish alive. In case you are planning to keep reef as well, then there are additional steps you have to take. For a marine fish-only aquarium, the best filters are canister filters, protein skimmers or even aquarium power filters but try and install a skimmer and a filter in your tank.

Other options for a marine aquarium are under-gravel filter, or even a live rock filter.  Now while tanks which hold less than 50 gallons can make do with power filters, which are fitted outside the tank, a tank which holds over 50 gallons needs to make use of a canister filter. This type of filter requires you to make provisions to get water out of the tank using a plumbed, or even an overflow box, put in the back. In case this seems too much, you could purchase a canister filter, which comes with the pump and plumbing, making it easier to set up.

Some points to keep in mind while installing a marine aquarium filter is that it needs to provide excellent biological, chemical and mechanical filtration. Hence a canister filter needs to be supplemented by an aeration device as it does not provide sufficient oxygenation. In case you think this is too much work, then trickle filters, which are the most commonly used variety, are perfect for biological filtration and should be coupled with a mechanical filter to clean the water of debris. Algal turf scrubbers, an innovative new product, are another option for marine aquarium filtration. They enable the simulation of natural marine environment, making the fish live longer.

For marine reef aquariums, employ the Berlin method of filtration, which makes use of aquatic live rock containing live microorganisms and bacteria. To install this filter, you need to add 1-2 lb of live rock per 4 liters of marine water, depending on the density of the live rock. An option which is similar to the Berlin method is the use of a deep sand bed. The intention if create a live sand bed, which consists of bacteria and other creatures which will aid the filtration process. Make use of fine sand, with grains ranging from 1mm to 0.5 mm, and ensure that the sand bed is at least 4 to 6 inches thick.

Another option while setting up filtration for your marine aquarium is to make use of a wave-maker. As the name suggests, a wave-maker creates waves, which stirs up trapped particles that are then sucked up by the filter; this aids the filtration process to a large degree. Now for a marine reef aquarium, an under-gravel filter might not suffice, though it is good enough for a marine fish only aquarium.

If all these steps are supplemented with thorough research about the workings of the various types of filters, you can be assured of a healthy and long life for you marine aquarium filtration.