Aquarium Filters

Aquarium filters are an essential piece of equipment for any aquarium. They help to maintain the water quality by removing waste, debris, and harmful chemicals from the water.

Setting up an aquarium filter is considered to be an essential part of bringing a fish tank to working condition.  Aquariums that are not supported with a working filter, would require a frequent water change to support the livelihood of fish in them.

Why water filter is necessary for an Aquarium?

In most aquariums, fish are confined to a limited amount of water.  The limit of water is fixed to the capacity of the aquarium.  Whereas most aquariums are not subject to frequent or daily water changes.  All these factors differentiate a closed body-like aquarium from the vastness of a body of natural waters.  Fish produce ammonia in the aquarium; the more fish you have, the more ammonia they produce.  As this is a toxic material for fish and needs to be filtered to make a life-support habitat for fish.  An extensive amount of ammonia would lead to dangerous conditions for fish and may result in death of fish.

Beautiful aquarium with filter

 What are the types of Filters?

There are many types of aquarium filters and a similar process of filtration.  As far as filters are concerned there are two main types of filters:

Internal Filters

These are the most popular aquarium filters among fish keepers.  These filters are available in different sizes, shapes, and mechanical conditions.  Subject to the budget, size of an aquarium and habitat, and types of fish, suitable internal filters are selected.  Most popular internal filters are air-powered filters which are low cost but serve the purpose of filtration.  The best ones are multi-stage internal filters which combine mechanical, natural, and chemical filtration in one complete filtration unit.

External Filters

Where aquariums are of large sizes, internal filters are not sufficient to provide the best service to large water closed-body aquariums.  In such cases, external filters are being used to serve the complete units.  External filters provide the much-needed filtration to a large-size tank but it has disadvantages, especially for plants and small fish.  Although these can be fixed by setting up sponges to the pipe, still someone has to observe any leakages.

What is the best type of filtration?

It is arguable what is the best type of filtration. Some might believe that natural or biological filtration is best.  Whereas most believe that a combination of mechanical, biological, or natural and chemical filtration is the best.  Again, it all comes to budget, size of aquarium, type, and the number of fish in the tank. There are several types of aquarium filters available, including:

• Hang-on-back (HOB) filters: These are the most common type of aquarium filter and are designed to hang on the back of the aquarium. They use a motor to pump water through a filter cartridge or media, which removes waste and debris.
• Canister filters: These are external filters that sit below the aquarium and use a pump to pull water from the tank through a series of filter media. Canister filters are typically more powerful than HOB filters and can handle larger aquariums.
• Sponge filters: These filters use a sponge to filter the water and are often used in breeding tanks or with small fish. They are inexpensive and easy to maintain but may not provide enough filtration for larger aquariums.
• Power filters: These filters use a motor to move water through a filter cartridge or media. They are similar to HOB filters but can be placed in different locations in the aquarium, such as the bottom or side.

When choosing an aquarium filter, it’s important to consider the size of your aquarium, the type and number of fish you have, and your budget. A properly sized and maintained filter will help keep your aquarium clean and healthy for your fish.

Maintaining Aquarium Filters

Well maintained fish tank

Once filters are set up in an aquarium, it is essential that these should be subject to periodic or scheduled maintenance.  The filter medium needs to be cleaned or replaced accordingly.  Leakages should be subject to immediate attention.

Where needed, the type of filtration might be reviewed.  Sometimes an aquarium may require multi-stage filtration due to excessive fish.

Price Range of Aquarium Filters

The prices of aquarium filters can vary greatly depending on the type, brand, and size of the filter. Here are some general price ranges for the different types of aquarium filters:

• Hang-on-back (HOB) filters: These are typically the most affordable type of filter, with prices ranging from $10 to $100 depending on the brand, size, and features.
• Canister filters: These tend to be more expensive than HOB filters, with prices ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the brand and size.
• Sponge filters: These are generally the least expensive type of filter, with prices ranging from $5 to $30 depending on the size and brand.
• Power filters: These can vary in price, with some basic models starting at around $15 and more advanced models costing up to $200 or more.

It’s important to remember that the cost of the filter is just one aspect to consider when choosing the right filter for your aquarium. Factors such as the size of your aquarium, the type and number of fish you have, and the type of filtration needed should also be taken into account when making your decision.