Complete Guide to Aquarium Filters and Different Types of Filtration

Setting up an aquarium is easy but knowing the lifelines of your aquarium is important. The aquarium is not all about filling it with water. The filter is often referred to as the lifeblood of your aquarium. For the hobbyist who set up an aquarium system, it is very crucial to know the importance of filters. In this article, we have discussed why filters are needed in aquariums and the types of filters that would be best for you to choose!

One of the most crucial components in keeping your aquatic ecosystem healthy is the aquarium filter. Understanding the need for filtration and how it works is essential for any aquarist, especially beginners.

Why Does An Aquarium Tank Need A Filter?

The filter works as the heart of an aquarium. Let me elaborate you why your tank needs a filter. The water in your aquarium needs to be clean and constantly flowing throughout because the stagnant water is very harmful to the aquatic animals. As it will retain many toxins like ammonia and decrease the oxygen in your tank. 

This type of water will be a dead space for your fish, plants, or shrimp. In small tanks or no water filtration system availability, you have to change the water of your tank daily and maintain a balanced environment within it.

As well as the growth of beneficial bacteria in the filter plants helps the bacteria to stay within the aquarium water and perform multiple functions. 

Why You Need An Aquarium Filter?

Aquarium filters are crucial and most importantly beneficial for the aquarium species. Filtration can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It improves aeration and oxygen availability inside the tank. 

For those who are still unaware of the importance of aquarium filters Aquarium filters remove fish waste and provide a place to grow useful bacteria inside it that break down the fish waste and dead plant materials.

It is a useful process of removing physical waste and improving the purity of water and the health of aquatic species. Without filters, waste products like fish food, dead fish, and fish waste remain in the tank water which is poisonous for the fish.

Types Of Filtration

Three main procedures of water filtration are generally divided into three main categories: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Each plays a unique role in maintaining the aquarium's water quality. 

1. Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical filtration is the process of physically removing solid particles from the water. This includes debris such as fish poop, uneaten food waste, and plant matter. The filter captures these particles, preventing them from decomposing and affecting the water quality. 

Common mechanical filters are sponge filters, canister filters, and HOB filters which are commonly used in small tanks to remove and clear wastes from the aquariums easily. 

Tips:

Sponge filters are used for small aquariums where as canister filters are external filters used in purification of medium to large aquarium tanks. 

2. Chemical Filtration

Chemical filtration involves removing dissolved impurities, toxins, and odors from the water. This is achieved by using special filter media that absorb or neutralize harmful substances. The chemical methods include activated carbon, resins, chlorine, and protein skimmers.

Tips:

Resin filters are used for sensitive fish or reef tanks to remove harsh chemicals like ammonia, nitrates, etc.

Protein skimmers are used in saltwater aquariums that remove organic wastes from the water. 

Activated carbon filters are mostly used for discoloration and removing bad odor from the aquarium.

3. Biological Filtration

Biological filtration involves biological agents that specifically lower the levels of ammonia in the tank by converting it to nitrite and nitrate. Higher levels of ammonia in the tank will be dangerous for fish, plants, and other aquatic animals.

3 Best Types of Aquarium Filter

1.Sponge Filters

Sponge filters are typically used in small aquariums to clean the water. Clearing aquarium water is important to improve the health of plants and fish. Traditionally the water waste is cleared by changing the old water with new water but it would be traumatic for the aquatic species.

A sponge filter consists of a sponge that is set inside the tank. The air pump is located outside the aquarium. The air pump is settled outside which sucks the debris through the sponge.

This sponge filtration is used in small aquariums or breeding aquariums in which few fish are living. It is not suitable for large tanks as it does not allow water movement in larger aquariums

2. Hang On Back Filters

The HOB Filter is Hang On the Back Filter that hangs on the back of the tank externally. The water draws inside the pump and runs through different layers. Turns back into the tank after clearing out. 

This HOB filter is easy to maintain and handle. They are easy to clean and used for all types of tank sizes. Most experienced aquascapers used these HOB filters. 

Tips:

Two HOB filters can be used if your aquarium is large.

3. Canister Filters

The canister filter is placed underneath the tank. It is used for larger aquariums. These filters are efficient and easy to maintain. The canister filter needs cleansing after three to four months. 

These filters are best for large aquariums whereas canister filters are more costly than sponge and HOB filters as well as more reliable than other filters. Probably it is a smart option for your aquarium. 

What are the Components of Aquarium Filter?

There are so many companies that sell aquarium filters of different sizes, shapes, and quality but the components of filters are similar and are elaborated as follows.

1.Filter Floss

Filter floss is a dense and packed material, composed of polyester fibers, made for use in water filtration systems. When water runs through this sheet, it traps fine particles in the aquarium and effectively cleans the water then returns it to the tank.

2.Filter Sponge

A filter sponge is a porous pad used in aquarium filtration units. Positioned before the filter floss. It captures larger debris, and particles and prevents clogs. Filter Sponge ensures the smooth operation of the filtration system. Like filter floss, the filter sponge also serves as mechanical filtration, helping to maintain clean water in the tank.

3. Media Rings

This is the Filter media, such as ceramic rings or bio balls, provide a porous surface with extensive surface area ideal for the growth of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining a stable nitrogen cycle within the aquarium. These bio balls or ceramic rings are used for biological filtration in the tank.

4. Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is an optional choice for aquascapes. It is highly effective at removing chemicals and pollutants from the water. This activated-carbon is porous in nature and traps impurities. Activated carbon needs to be replaced monthly basis.

In an aquarium setup, activated carbon serves as the chemical filtration component. It is often available in pre-packaged cartridges, such as the Delta 60 Activated Carbon Cartridge.

Tips:

You have to remove activated carbon from the water before adding fertilizers as it may also filter the useful nutrients of fertilizers and other substances. 

Which Filter is Best for Your Tank?

A few factors must be reviewed while buying a filter for an aquarium,

You should know which filter is best for designing aquariums and which is best for breeding aquariums. If you have a large showcase aquarium you should buy an HOB or Canister filter but if you have a breeding aquarium you can use a sponge filter.

Every filter has a different flow rate that is how much water passes through the filter. It is estimated in Gallons Per Hour (GPH). You need to use a filter that has a flow rate of four to six times more than the volume of the tank. 

Filters work to circulate the water in the aquarium. In large tanks Hang on back filters and canister filters are used to properly circulate the water otherwise two small filters can also be used for proper water currents. That is why correct GPH value is important.

Importance Of Filter Maintenance

If you are an experienced aquascaper then you should know the importance of filter maintenance. Most of us find it hectic but it is really important to keep the environment fresh and toxin-free for the aquatic life.

One should regularly maintain the filter and clean it weekly depending on the size and population of the tank. Filter sponge and filter floss can be rinsed regularly to keep the debris away from the filtration system. 

Note: For biological media filtration it is important to not directly rinse it off into the sink as the tap water chlorine will destroy all the beneficial bacteria growing in the biological filters and thus destroy the water nitrogen cycle imbalance. 

Conclusion

Aquarium life begins with water but the same water can end it if does not detox so aquarium filters provide the best aquarium filtration systems that help to circulate water and remove all the toxins from the water also maintaining a balanced level of beneficial bacteria growth.