The filter is the most important accessory for an aquarium since a filter keeps your aquarium clean and properly maintain its water chemistry to help keep your aquarium properly maintained as well as your freshwater fish healthy and in the proper environment.
There are various types of filters and each filter has a different purpose to help maintain your freshwater aquarium nice and clean and well maintained.
The sponge filter is the simplest kind of aquarium filter.
It consists of a plastic case that holds a sponge along with an intake tube that has to be connected to an air pump.
Sponge are used for biological filtration which means that these filters increase the nitrifying bacteria in the tank.
Sponge filters act as homes for nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia into less harmful substances.
Sponge filters also provide aeration to the tank by breaking the surface of the water.
A corner filter is also a type of sponge filter but in this type of filter the sponge or similar material is filled inside a box.
This is perfect for smaller sized aquariums that have a capacity of 5 - 15 gallon and very few freshwater fish.
While it is actually very low maintenance to care for this type of sieve it does require more purchase of cotton and charcoal which could get messy.
The under gravel filter is yet another simple filter that is very effective.
The under gravel sieve is placed below the gravel and the intake tube is attached to a powerful air filter.
This filter increases the nitrifying bacteria in the gravel and also provides aeration.
While using an under gravel filter it is important to siphon the gravel every time you change the water so that the filter does not get clogged with poop.
Under gravel filters are usually used for medium sized tanks that do not exceed the capacity of 35 gallons.
This could type of sieve also requires a medium that could run up in cost but not as often as the sponge, but it could get there.
Internal canister filters are used the most since these filters are useful for biological and mechanical filtration.
The sponge inside the canisters serve as a home for nitrifying bacteria and the power head attracts large particles to the sponge.
This filter is recommended for medium sized tanks up to 50 gallons.
In large tanks two or three powerful internal canister filters can be used.
External canister filters are meant for tanks that have a capacity of 40 gallons.
External canister filters provide excellent biological and mechanical filtration.
Bio balls and other biological filtration material can be added to both the types of canister filters.
Canisters are expensive at first but have a way better long term cost since most canister filters do not require you to go out and buy more mediums.
They do how ever require more regular maintenance and cleanings.
While selecting a filter you should keep in mind that canister filters are a better choice if you have large aquariums or lots of fish.
Canister filters cost more than sponge and under gravel but they are worth the price.
The rate of water circulation is referred by the term gallons per hour and it is always recommended to purchase a filter that has a high circulations rate.
It is important to buy the right filter for your aquarium since good filtration ensures that your tank is kept clean till the next water change.
It is crucial to remember that even with filters in your aquarium you will need to clean partial amounts of water periodically to ensure that your fish stay healthy.