Things To Consider When Buying An Aquarium Filter
Even for people who are not into aquariums as a hobby, looking at fish aimlessly swimming inside a beautiful tank is relaxing. Of course, this wouldn’t be the case if the tank itself is not kept well. Sure, one can argue that algae formation is natural. But that green goop looks absolutely nasty. Not to mention that this “natural” growth in an ill-maintained aquarium harms the fish inside it.
To add to the need for aquarium filters, a fish tank owner should also make sure that they are using filters that are ideal for their aquarium. Here are key pointers that are extremely helpful for beginners.
- Aquarium population density. It’s not rare for aquarium owners to go ham in putting as many fish as they can inside the tank. After all, more fish in the tank will make it look lively. Sadly, a lot of times, owners who do so forget to use the right kind of filter for the fish in their aquarium. Under gravel and internal filters, for example, typically can’t do sufficient filtration for its fish population. A densely populated aquarium will need the likes of canister, power and even wet-dry filters.
- Aquarium size. The size of the aquarium and the number of fish in it go hand in hand when determining filter efficiency. A large tank will usually need a bigger filtration system, even if there’s less fish in it. Smaller tanks can probably get by on internal and under gravel filters. Granting, of course, that it’s not crammed with a ridiculous population of fish. Huge aquariums will need a system that can do large-scale filtration well, which is what wet-dry filters are known for. The fact that they can be the same size as the aquarium itself says a lot about its filtration capability.
- Type of aquarium ecology. An aquarium’s ecology considerably affects the filter that is best installed for it. A saltwater aquarium, for example, will have to avoid filters that use activated charcoal heavily. This is because activated charcoal absorbs medication that is deliberately placed in the tank to keep the water’s condition ideal for fish living in it. Since a saltwater aquarium requires more tending to for its water condition to stay in its ideal ranges, using the likes of a canister filter is a better option. Aquarium owners can also add an extra layer of assurance by using biological filters alongside regular ones. Also, it’s worth noting that saltwater aquariums should have lower water levels if using power filters. The constant agitation of the water surface can lead to salt creep. Or just avoid this type of filter entirely.
4. To plant or not to plant. Though plants may seem like aquarium decorations, their presence in the tank actually makes some types of filters a bad choice for the aquarium ecology. In particular, power filters are to be avoided as much as possible. Power filters are great at what they do, which is filtration, but their constant agitation of the water’s surface deprives the plant of the carbon dioxide in the water. Check out specific aquarium filter reviews & advice to know more about the best filters for planted aquariums.