Aquarium Filters

In order to maintain a healthy environment for their fish and plant life, all aquariums need a filtration system. Not only will a good filter run all the water in the tank through a filter several times an hour, it will also help in aerating the fish’s home. The size of your aquarium and your personal preference will determine the type of filter that you should purchase.

Small and medium aquariums usually utilize power filters or a UGF; however, large aquariums require something with a little more power such as canister filters. Some of the most common styles of filters are:

• Box Filters. These are the original filters, also known as corner filters. They are quite inexpensive and, though not used as frequently as they used to be, are very helpful in breeding tanks or aquariums that are not used all the time.
• Power Filters. These are, for sure, the most widely used filters for aquariums. Easy to install and maintain, they provide both mechanical and chemical filtrations and can be combined with a biowheel to also give biological filtration.
• Diatomic Filters. These filters focus on very small particles in the water and are most often used when fine algae or other particulate matter is a problem. Diatomic are really just specialty filters.
• Canister Filters. These are the most powerful of all aquarium filters and are located outside the tank. Their biggest disadvantage is the fact that they are difficult to take apart to clean and maintain and then to put back together and start again.