Saltwater Aquarium Filter

Saltwater aquarium filters are quite different from the freshwater variety as the basic environment of the saltwater aquarium, or marine aquarium, is quite different as compared to a freshwater fish tank’s eco-system setup. Marine aquariums require a salt mix to maintain salinity levels in the water, while the hardness of the water also needs to be maintained in an appropriate range based on the type of fish or marine life that is kept in it.

One of the most important aspects that determines the positioning of equipment and the overall appearance of the saltwater aquarium, without affecting its health, is the Sump. The Sump is a large tank that is connected to the main aquarium, although it can be placed in any convenient location, like below the main saltwater aquarium.

The Sump is extremely helpful in maintaining a healthy saltwater aquarium as it enables the tank to have greater water volume (adding its own capacity to the main tank). It can also hold all the ugly equipment like the filtrations system, the heater and others.

The Sump basically acts as a holder for the saltwater aquarium filters and circulates its water with the water in the main tank. In this manner, it allows the main saltwater aquarium to remain free of bulky equipment and concentrate on its appearance.

Saltwater aquarium filters are of 5 main types:

1. Under-Gravel Filters: These filters are placed under the gravel in a setup that is the same as for a freshwater aquarium. However this type of filter is never advisable as it ends up releasing a lot of nitrates and drastically raises its level in the saltwater aquarium.

2. Canister Filters: They are excellent as mechanical filters but have the same drawback as the UGF. They too are known to produce excess amounts of nitrates which can be toxic for the fish.

3. Live Rock Filters: These are rocks that are made of dead corals or other calcium carbonate skeletons and are home to a number of macro and microscopic marine life. It is the most preferred form of filtration in saltwater aquariums. The live rock, or live sand, introduces many bacteria and other organisms into the tank that help break down Ammonia, Nitrates and Phosphates.

Not only does the live rock helping in breaking down ammonia, nitrates and phosphates, they also house a number of algae and organisms that feast on the final broken down matter. If that’s not enough, they look absolutely natural in the aquarium and are beautiful.

4. Trickle Filter: These filters work by trickling water over un-submerged plastic media like bio wheels and bio balls. The surface on which the water is trickled over, becomes a housing colony for many helpful forms of bacteria. All suspended debris is trapped in the plastic media.

5. Skimmers: are filtration devices that are used to cleanup waste and debris from the saltwater aquarium before it can turn to ammonia. Skimmers can be a little expensive but a good one is absolutely worth the money and this is one area where money should not be an issue if the tank has to be healthy.

Saltwater aquariums are more expensive to build and require some additional equipment, as compared to freshwater aquariums, to remain in good health. However, it is extremely important to know that a saltwater aquarium remains healthy for longer periods, as compared to freshwater versions, as long as all the required apparatus is in place.

Filter for Use in a Saltwater Aquarium