Filters

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Contents 1 About Filters 2 How do Filters work? 3 Types of Filter 3.1 Internal Filters 3.1.1 Sponge Filter 3.1.2 Undergravel Filter ("UGF") 3.1.3 Internal Power Filter 3.2 External Filters 3.2.1 Canister Filter 3.2.2 HOB Filter 3.2.3 Wet/Dry Trickle Filters 4 External Useful Links

[edit] About Filters

A filter is quite possibly the #1 most important piece of equipment you will have in your aquarium. It provides constant circulation throughout the tank, pull out any floating debris from the water column and will provide a home for the majority of the essential good bacteria within the aquarium to keep the water parameters stable.

[edit] How do Filters work?

[edit] Types of Filter

[edit] Internal Filters

Internal Filters are usually either situated in custom built housing within an aquarium or can be bought separately. They will be located below the waterline within the tank. They are best for smaller tanks, lightly stocked tanks and for smaller community fish.

[edit] Sponge Filter

Sponge filters work by using an air pump to create upwards water flow in the center of the sponge. This causes water from around the sponge to be sucked into the filter where it is mechanically and biologically filtered. This type of filter is not considered effective on tanks larger then 5 US Gallons (18.9L)}. The most typical use for sponge filters is in breeding tanks, as fry are not likely be to killed if they are sucked into the sponge filter.

[edit] Undergravel Filter ("UGF")

[edit] Internal Power Filter

[edit] External Filters

These will be located outside the tank. They are often more powerful than internal filters and more desirable for larger tanks or tanks with messier inhabitants.

[edit] Canister Filter

[edit] HOB Filter

[edit] Wet/Dry Trickle Filters

These work with an intake tube dropped down into the tank with a motor attached at the top, which should be half in and half out of the water. This tube will suck water out of the tank, through the media located along the top, and this will then trickle back down into the tank at the other end. These types of filters are usually found built into aquariums rather than bought off the shelf.

[edit] External Useful Links

• Choosing an Aquarium Filter by Practical Fishkeeping magazine