3 Types of Fish Tank Filters

2010-08-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Fish tanks will need a filtration system in order to have healthy pet fish. It will also be helpful to you by keeping your fish tank clean as well as the water by eliminating harmful toxins as well as ventilating the water.

Freshwater fish tanks have 3 different types of filters to choose from. All fish tanks should at least have two, a biological filtration method and the mechanical one. The biological filter is incorporated to the fish tank itself while the mechanical filter is usually a separate system and is generated by motor.

There are three major types of filters:

Biological Filtration - this kind of filter system breaks down wastes and toxins found in water with the help of bacteria. It is a simple system that uses a pump to run water in the tank through the use of materials like under-gravel filters, sponge filters and bio-balls. Bacteria forms in these filters and helps break down other waste products and turn them into a lesser harmful substance.

Although fish waste can't be completely filtered out with the use of a chemical or mechanical filtration system, and if these wastes are not removed, it can result to a toxic environment. That is why you need to have a biological filtration system in your fish tank too.

Mechanical Filtration - to filter out solid waste in you fish tank, you need to have a mechanical fish tank filter. This system helps the fish tank water with a filtering substance. It is usually made of a porous material like a sponge or foam. They help by trapping waste and other debris. The porous material needs to be replaced or cleaned once it is full. Usually this kind of material can be rinsed or removed depending on the given instructions when cleaning.

Chemical Filtration - this kind of filter has like the two other fish tank filters can be used to dissolve toxins even at its finest particles or sometimes, it can work both ways like a mechanical and biological filter systems. Chemical filters however use carbon or other type of materials to pass through the fish tank water to remove the smallest particles and toxins. Often times, you will find a buildup of toxic metals or ammonia in the filter. This kind of system is good for those who are starting a new fish tank or if they are having problems with their water.

There are other filters to choose from too. But if you are new to the fish tank hobby, you need to use some power filter along with the biological filter.

These are the basic filter types that you will need:

Power

Sponge

Box and Canister

Bed

Underground

Wet and dry

If you have a small fish tank, most likely 10 gallons or so, you can use the box-type filter. It can fit nicely in the corner parts of your fish tank. For medium sized fish tanks, you will have to use the underground filter or the power filter. For large tanks of 50 gallons or more, you need to have a canister filter. This will give you all of the 3 types of filtration that you need for your fish tank too.