I was going to just post about my filtration because it is odd (see below) but I decided to go ahead and just put a general filtration help thread on here for all the people starting out.
Types of Filtration: Their are 3 different kinds of filtration and most filters perform all 3.
Biological: This is simply letting BB build up on a surface to eat ammonia and eventually convert it to nitrates.
Mechanical: Removing large particals from the water is called mechanical filtration. Smaller tanks with low bioloads can sometimes do without this kind of filtration.
Chemical: Chemical filtration removes smells, chemicals, and discoloration from the water usually with activated carbon. While chemical filtration is necessary, in most tanks live plants will provide enough filtration in this area. However live plants will not remove discoloration from the water.
Aeration: While arguably not a type of filtration most filters do help keep the tank water aerated. Some companies, like Aqueon, have gone so far as to build filters with specifics inserts to improve aeration.
Types of Filters: The type of filtration you get is of little consequence really. The main thing about the type of filtration is what your individual tank needs or can handle.
HOB: The hang on the back filter is the most common type of filtration for freshwater aquariums. HOBs can be very effective filters if set up and maintained right. One thing to remember is to always buy the filter at least one size bigger than the box says you need. Most companies overestimate their filters effectiveness.
The best way to maintain and use an HOB is to have both a filter cartridges (filter floss, sponge, etc) and a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize on (c-nodes, ceramic rings). If you don't have anything for BB then leave the filter cartridge in as long as possible and leave the old one in with the new for a week before throwing out.
Pros: Cost, effective filtration, decent flow rates, flexible (some)
Cons: Size, aesthetics, can be limiting depending on type, noise
Best Brands: Aquaclear, Fluval.
Canister: Canisters filters are the most silent filter available. They are also very good filters. With high flow rates and lots of space for media, they are very efficient filters.
Pros: Quiet, aesthetically pleasing, high flow rate, effective
Cons: Price
Internal Filter: Probably the lowest end filtration available, internal filters are not overly popular. They take up space inside the aquarium and are not very powerful. They are still used at times for tanks with low bioloads.
Pros: Cheap, can be usefull in aquariums with odd shapes or limited space
Cons: Limited filtration, takes up space in tank, aesthetics
Sump/overflow: Probably the least common freshwater filtration method, sumps are commonly underestimated. They are the best filters for BB to grow in and can be very aesthetically pleasing as equipement can be hidden inside it.
Pros: Superb Filtration, aesthetically pleasing, low cost if home made, adds to tanks volume
Cos: Difficulty to setup, can leak if setup wrong
Sponge Filter: Probably the best filtration method for tanks under 5 gallons, the sponge filter is a very easy, cheap filtration method. Just get an air pump or powerhead and a sponge!
Pros: Great for small tanks, can't harm small inhabitants, small
Cons: No mechanical filtration
Undergravel Filter: Outdated and considered by most to be a nightmare, undergravel filtration is just what it sounds like; filtration under the gravel.
Pros: Gravel can build BB, Substrate is aerated
Cons: Ineffective, no live plants
Natural Filtration: Filtration by plants is a great method of filtration but is best only if used as a supplement as plants do not absorb enough ammonia to keep most tanks clean. It is also a contreversial method. Using some terrestial plants can also help. Pothos vines are excellent as filters. They remove alot of chemical waste from the water. Plenty of water flow is still needed in most tanks so that BB can grow.
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, natural
Cons: Very limited, low effectiveness
As a general rule you want to turn over your tanks water 10 times per hour in a non planted tank and 5 times per hour in a planted tank. Some people do not agree with the above stated rule. Carbon is optional although it can harm live plants. If your fish have a large bioload then it is better to have the highest flow that your tanks inhabitants can be happy with.
On the tanks in my house I have HOBs. On our 57 gallon we have an aqueon 110, on our 20 tall we have a aqueon 30 and a top fin 20, on my 26 gallon bowfront I have a aquaclear 70, and on my 5.5 gallon I have a Marina slim 10 filled with gravel and plants.
In tanks with low bioload inhabitants you can have smaller filtration or do something like listed above with the gravel in the filter or just use natural filtration.
If low flow is desired then wrapping a filter cartridge or a sponge on it will help immensely.
I know I probably messed up somewhere or left something out so tell me what I need to add or change and I will edit it! Thanks for reading and God bless!
Types of Filtration: Their are 3 different kinds of filtration and most filters perform all 3.
Biological: This is simply letting BB build up on a surface to eat ammonia and eventually convert it to nitrates.
Mechanical: Removing large particals from the water is called mechanical filtration. Smaller tanks with low bioloads can sometimes do without this kind of filtration.
Chemical: Chemical filtration removes smells, chemicals, and discoloration from the water usually with activated carbon. While chemical filtration is necessary, in most tanks live plants will provide enough filtration in this area. However live plants will not remove discoloration from the water.
Aeration: While arguably not a type of filtration most filters do help keep the tank water aerated. Some companies, like Aqueon, have gone so far as to build filters with specifics inserts to improve aeration.
Types of Filters: The type of filtration you get is of little consequence really. The main thing about the type of filtration is what your individual tank needs or can handle.
HOB: The hang on the back filter is the most common type of filtration for freshwater aquariums. HOBs can be very effective filters if set up and maintained right. One thing to remember is to always buy the filter at least one size bigger than the box says you need. Most companies overestimate their filters effectiveness.
The best way to maintain and use an HOB is to have both a filter cartridges (filter floss, sponge, etc) and a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize on (c-nodes, ceramic rings). If you don't have anything for BB then leave the filter cartridge in as long as possible and leave the old one in with the new for a week before throwing out.
Pros: Cost, effective filtration, decent flow rates, flexible (some)
Cons: Size, aesthetics, can be limiting depending on type, noise
Best Brands: Aquaclear, Fluval.
Canister: Canisters filters are the most silent filter available. They are also very good filters. With high flow rates and lots of space for media, they are very efficient filters.
Pros: Quiet, aesthetically pleasing, high flow rate, effective
Cons: Price
Internal Filter: Probably the lowest end filtration available, internal filters are not overly popular. They take up space inside the aquarium and are not very powerful. They are still used at times for tanks with low bioloads.
Pros: Cheap, can be usefull in aquariums with odd shapes or limited space
Cons: Limited filtration, takes up space in tank, aesthetics
Sump/overflow: Probably the least common freshwater filtration method, sumps are commonly underestimated. They are the best filters for BB to grow in and can be very aesthetically pleasing as equipement can be hidden inside it.
Pros: Superb Filtration, aesthetically pleasing, low cost if home made, adds to tanks volume
Cos: Difficulty to setup, can leak if setup wrong
Sponge Filter: Probably the best filtration method for tanks under 5 gallons, the sponge filter is a very easy, cheap filtration method. Just get an air pump or powerhead and a sponge!
Pros: Great for small tanks, can't harm small inhabitants, small
Cons: No mechanical filtration
Undergravel Filter: Outdated and considered by most to be a nightmare, undergravel filtration is just what it sounds like; filtration under the gravel.
Pros: Gravel can build BB, Substrate is aerated
Cons: Ineffective, no live plants
Natural Filtration: Filtration by plants is a great method of filtration but is best only if used as a supplement as plants do not absorb enough ammonia to keep most tanks clean. It is also a contreversial method. Using some terrestial plants can also help. Pothos vines are excellent as filters. They remove alot of chemical waste from the water. Plenty of water flow is still needed in most tanks so that BB can grow.
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, natural
Cons: Very limited, low effectiveness
As a general rule you want to turn over your tanks water 10 times per hour in a non planted tank and 5 times per hour in a planted tank. Some people do not agree with the above stated rule. Carbon is optional although it can harm live plants. If your fish have a large bioload then it is better to have the highest flow that your tanks inhabitants can be happy with.
On the tanks in my house I have HOBs. On our 57 gallon we have an aqueon 110, on our 20 tall we have a aqueon 30 and a top fin 20, on my 26 gallon bowfront I have a aquaclear 70, and on my 5.5 gallon I have a Marina slim 10 filled with gravel and plants.
In tanks with low bioload inhabitants you can have smaller filtration or do something like listed above with the gravel in the filter or just use natural filtration.
If low flow is desired then wrapping a filter cartridge or a sponge on it will help immensely.
I know I probably messed up somewhere or left something out so tell me what I need to add or change and I will edit it! Thanks for reading and God bless!
