Filter
Types
Canister Filter
Basically an enhanced corner filter. A closed box where water is
forced through filtration media (mechanical and/or
chemical). It can be placed inside the aquarium, or
outside (underneath the aquarium or as hang on type).
The canister filter has the most powerful mechanical
filtration system, and can be used with messy eaters.
The down side is that it requires frequent cleaning.
Bacteria will also settle in this filter type.
Biological filtration can be improved, by placing wet
dry wheels at the outflow of the canister filter.
Corner Filter
This is how it started. Water was forced through it. On the inside
you would find filter floss or other media. It was
mainly a physical/mechanical filter. Beneficial bacteria
settled on the medium and provided biological
filtration.
This very inexpensive filter is an excellent way to set up a
hospital tank. Buy one for pennies on the dollar and use
some gravel from your established tank. You will
immediately have a working biological and mechanical
filter for your hospital tank.
Fluidized Bed Filter
This filter is a recent development, using sand as a bacteria
settlement media. In a tubular design, sand is fully
submerged in water. The water is pumped upwards through
the sand, allowing bacteria to settle within. Additional
tubes can be used as pre-filters (mechanical) and also
for chemical filters using activated carbon. This filter
provides a large surface for bacteria colonies, but
sometimes lacks in providing enough oxygen for their
performance.
Power Filter
The very easy to maintain power filter hangs on the back of the
aquarium (easy access). Water is pulled through a
mechanical filtration, using floss and insert
cartridges. They also provide enough space for chemical
filtration media. Within the last few years a wet dry
wheel (biowheel) was developed, to provide an even
larger area for bacteria to settle.
Protein Skimmer
The protein skimmer is a chemical filtration method. It takes out
dissolved biological waste before it can decompose. This
is achieved by a tubular design with air bubbles inside.
The waste is attracted to the surface of air bubbles,
which then rises to the water surface. There, a skimmer
removes the biological waste. This filtration type has
revolutionized reef tanks. It only works with high pH
and salinity. This filter is for salt-water use only.
Sponge Filter
A sponge filter looks like a tube with a sponge like material
inside. As water flows through, bacteria will colonize
the porous foam and establish a biological filtration.
These sponges also serve as a mechanical filter,
removing larger particles from the water. The advanced
versions use two sponges, making it easier to preserve
bacteria colonies by replacing the sponges at different
times.
Using a sponge from an established aquarium can also jump-start a
new tank or quarantine/hospital tank.
Undergravel Filter
The undergravel filter (UGF) is basically a perforated plate below
the gravel. Water is pumped upward through the gravel by
air bubbles, water stream, or a combination of both.
This slow flow of water and oxygen allows the bacteria
to colonize the gravel.
The UGF is an aid for biological filtration. It does not remove
larger waste particles. It has to be well maintained,
especially through vacuuming of the gravel. UGF’s are
inexpensive, but have a tendency to clog up.
It is recommended to replace this filter as they age. Of course,
they can be combined with a power head as a pre-filter
for larger particles.
Wet–Dry Filter
Also known as trickle filter. This kind of filter was designed with
consideration of the oxygen demand of beneficial
bacteria. It consists of a plastic tube with unsubmerged
media (floss, bioballs etc.) over which water trickles –
hence “Trickle Filter”. The wet dry filter
provides a large air to water surface. The larger the
surface structure of the media gets the better it works.
This filter provides no mechanical filtration and works on the
principle of the wet dry wheels. Understanding the
basics of filtration - biological, mechanical, and
chemical, will enable you to create the best combination
for your tank. Put together the best combination, and
maintain them well.
Always keep in mind, that biological filtration requires
oxygen. An inadequate or interrupted supply will result
in the failing of your biological filtration system. |
