Add An Aquarium Filter To Your Tank

When setting up a fish tank, you will need to also install an aquarium filter. Most beginner aquarium kits come with a filter ready, but if not, you will need to purchase one to ensure that your tank runs properly and your fish are healthy. Here are some details to consider.

There are three basic types of filtration: mechanical, biological and chemical. Each has its own process of cleaning water in your tank.

• Mechanical – removes free floating waste
• Biological – helps your tank grow good bacteria while getting rid of the bad
• Chemical – removes the dissolved waste

 Types of filters

You have several choices when picking out your aquarium filter. Below is a list of the most popular options.

• Corner filter: This model sits in the corner of your tank or attaches to the glass. As air is carried through a tube and through a bed of filter floss, good bacteria grow on the floss. Works well but needs frequent maintenance.
• Under-gravel filter: This is placed under the gravel in your aquarium. Has a slow flow of water that is then forced up through uplift tubes situated in the back of the tank. There is activated carbon in the top of the tubs for chemical filtration. Can be hard to vacuum, and as a result can gather pockets of harmful gas.
• Sponge filter: Flowing water through an airlift tube helps good bacteria grow on the sponge portion of the filter. Since there is no chemical filtration with this type of filter, and the mechanical filtration is weak, and frequent water changes are needed.
• Power filter: Hangs from the back of your tank. Water is siphoned from the tank up into a filter that sits in a box and then through a foam sponge.  A pump then pumps the filtered water back into the tank. This is the most common aquarium filter.