6 Different Types Of Filter You Can Choose From When Planning Your Aquarium
by Jennifer Barrett
Choosing the right filter for your aquarium is important in achieving clean water and a healthy environment for your fish. You need to consider the size of your tank, whether your tank is freshwater or saltwater, and several other factors in determining which filter is best.
The following is some helpful information on the six most common types of aquarium filter out there:
A box filter
Box filters are also sometimes referred to as corner filters. These are typically inexpensive filters, but they are not adequate for larger tanks because they don't offer enough power.
A box filter functions through the use of an air stone that helps to propel water through filter floss. This is a mechanical means of filtering water.
One disadvantage of box filters is that they are somewhat bulky and difficult to hide amid aquarium ornaments. If you're going for a natural look, you probably want to choose another type of filter.
A sponge filter
It's important to note that sponge filters are not usually used alone, but in combination with another type of filter.
Like box filters, sponge filters are one of the most inexpensive types of filter out there. Instead of filter floss, sponge filters rely on a sponge to both mechanically and biologically filter out bacteria. Sponge filters are good for smaller, delicate fish because their gentle action is unlikely to suck in fish and restrict their movement.
An under gravel filter
As the name implies, this type of filter goes under the gravel of a tank. Under gravel filters can be large and spread over a large portion of a tank. They don't require lot of maintenance, but they function very well as biological filters.
The one maintenance task that is typically necessary with this type of filter is periodically vacuuming up the gravel to prevent clogs from developing in the filter located underneath.
A canister filter
Canister filters are effective in large volume tanks. They're also easy to hide from view because they are typically placed beneath the aquarium.
A canister filter will suck water out of the tank to a separate compartment in which mechanical filtration removes debris.
A power filter
Most aquarium owners use power filters. This type of filter is not only effective at filtering at debris mechanically and biologically, but also with chemical filtration.
Power filters will typically hang over the side of an aquarium. A tube will pump out water and force it into the filter where a chemical filter cartridge will remove debris.
A trickle filter
If you're putting together a salt water tank, this is likely to be the type of filter you'll choose. These filters make it easy to precisely control water quality because they will raise the level of oxygen that is dissolved in the aquarium water.
Talk to a local professional about what aquatic life support systems will work best for your needs.
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I have a five-year old American Bulldog that our family adores. Up until this past winter, I was a stay at home mom and rarely left our boy home alone. When I went back to work, our dog started acting out. He was destroying my home. I took him to the vet to be sure that there wasn't any medical reasons for his behavior and then started doing some research. Our boy was going through separation anxiety and didn't like being left home alone. Our trainer suggested a few new toys for him, a bed and to try to re-kennel train him. We visited our local pet store and loaded up some new things for him. Find out all about pet supplies and what you need to keep a dog busy during a day home alone.