Selecting a Filter For Freshwater Aquariums

When you are selecting a filter for freshwater aquarium, you always need to include a filtration system to come with it; so before you buy a tank, consider first what kind you will use so that you would have an exact idea on what to buy.

There are three types of processes: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Every tank needs to have a filtration system to have a healthy tank environment. The following discusses each kind of system:

Mechanical – Solid wastes are removed from the tank’s water through mechanical filtration. By some sort of porous material like a sponge or foam, particulate matter such as fish waste, nipped leaves, and uneaten food are filtered. The porous material, then, should be cleaned regularly so that the debris would not rot or dissolve back to the water. A tank continually produces such wastes therefore the mechanical process of filtering is very important.

Chemical – This type of filtration system safeguards the tank by removing the dissolved wastes in the water.

The water passes through a filter medium like activated charcoal. This then breaks down the dissolved wastes such as toxic metals, bad bacteria, ammonia, and odor. Chemical filtration becomes especially effective when combined with other kinds of systems.

Biological – Biological filtration attempts to complete the nitrogen cycle which is vital to a freshwater aquarium. All organic matter eventually decompose and produce ammonia which is dangerous for fishes. Through the help of good bacteria which are called nitrifiers, ammonia is broken down into nitrites which are then converted to nitrates by oxygenation. This type of filtration system must be well thought of before you set up a freshwater aquarium.

Biological filters could be sponge or bio balls, surfaces of which are where the nitrifiers will develop and eventually mature. In order to keep the nitrate level at bay, since high levels of nitrate can be harmful to the fish, there should be regular partial water change to introduce uncontaminated water to the tank.

It is ideal to combine biological filtration with the mechanical process. You can choose from a lot of filters for your filtration system. Be sure to research on each as some filters are placed inside the tank, and some are not. Check what kind suits the set up that you want. You will surely appreciate your efforts when you selecting a filter for freshwater aquarium and a system that becomes efficient.

Tweet