Home Page
Guide to Fish keeping
Fish Profiles
Photo Gallery
"Fish"-Aid Kit
Aquaria Forums
Personal Log Book
Personal Tank Specs.
|
The Beginner's Guide To Fish Keeping.
What Filtration System to Get?
By: Maverick
Types of filters
There are several types of filtration systems. Some, are better than others. The types of filters are all based on the following designs: UGF (Under Gravel Filter), Internal filters, Canister, Sump, and Power Filters also called HOB (Hang On Back). Some filters are a combination of the above and may have bio-wheels and sponges as part or all of their filtration. The bio-wheels and sponges strengthen your biological filter by giving the bacteria a place to thrive undisturbed (when cleaning bio-wheels or sponges, use dechorinated water only, becuase tap water will kill the bacteria).
Why You Need a Filter
The point of a filter is to remove debris, polish your water, and produce oxygen for your fish. It does NOT rid your water of harmful chemicals, nor does it replace water changes. Some types of filters will feature media baskets in addition to your filter cartridge or floss. Media baskets allow you to customized what your filter does in addition to the above. For example, Carbon, is not needed to run a clear, healthy aquarium (although, some folks swear by it), but it does help remove medicine when your treating your tank, it also provides a little additional water polishing.
Decriptions Of Various Filters Available
The UGF (Under Gravel Filter)
A UGF is a grated plate under your gravel. By means of a lift tube and an air pump or power head, it will pull water through the gravel, and under the filter. This includes debris and uneaten food. This makes it hard to clean becuase you have to lift up the grate to remove the debris.
Photo to be Posted
Canisters and Sumps
I have not used a canister or sump. They are very good filter types from those I know who use them. A sump is basicly a second, smaller tank you will place below your main tank. It will be devided into diferent areas. One for each type of medium. Water is pumped into the sump, and filtered through each area, then pumped back up to the tank. A Canister is a smaller compact version of a sump.
Photo to be Posted
Internal Filters and Power Filrers
There are two types of internal filters that I know of. Internal filters sit inside the tank. Keep in mind they take up your tanks space. One type is a small compact version of a UGF. It will be a small box, with the plate inside. They are enexpenisve, and easier to maintain than a real UGF. However, they brake easily, need to be weighted down, and are not good for heavy bioloads.
Photo to be Posted
The next type of internal filter is very much like a Power filter. It is electric and uses a magnetic impaler to pull water through it. It is submersible and neads to remain below the water level. The only difference between this and a power filter is, a power filter hangs on the back, outside of your tank with an intake tube being the only part in the water. Both types work very well.
Photo to be Posted
What type of filter for you?
What type? It really is up to you and what you want to invest. To much filtration is never a problem, in my opinion. When buying a filter you will see many are designed to handle a certain number of gallons. Don't be afraid to get a little more than what you think you need. The companys that design these are designing for an average bioload. Some fish may produce more waste than others and individual needs cannot be calculated. Also, instead of worrying if you have too much filtration, you need to worry about too much current. Smaller fish cannot handle strong currents while some love it. Make sure you can adjust the water flow on a filter if this is a concern. If not, you can always break up the current with plants and rocks.
*And before you get the idea in your head, A more powerful filter does not allow you to keep more fish. Fish need their own space to grow and thrive.
Want To Know More? Click HERE.
|
