The first time I heard someone talk about a fish tank filter I believed that they had a really big fish, otherwise, why would they need a filter for it? Turns out it’s not exactly how things work.
When I then went to the pet shop to look at these so-called filters, I found out that all tanks need them. So, inspired by this experience, this article was born. Its purpose is to make all things about this topic clearer. By the end of it, we will all be something close to an expert.
What Is a Fish Tank Filter?
Let’s begin with the easiest but most relevant question: what exactly is this fish tank filter? To put it simply, it’s a piece of aquarium equipment designed to keep the water clean.
It works by continuously moving water through one or more types of filter media, where waste particles can be removed before the water returns to the tank.
Your fish will produce waste, there will be some uneaten food floating around, and just overall organic matter will gather in the tank. It’s clear and obvious to everyone that a fish cannot live in an unclean tank.
If the water is polluted, your fish’s life is at risk. Many modern filters provide three different types of filtration: mechanical, biological and chemical. Simply put, mechanical filtration will use materials such as foam to trap physical particles.
Biological filtration relies on the beneficial microorganisms that are living on filter media. And, chemical filtration uses specialized materials, such as activated carbon, to remove certain dissolved substances from the water.
There are a few different types of filters out there, and choosing one for your pet’s tank can be pretty complicated, especially as a first-time fish owner.
Main Types of Filters
Entering a pet shop can quickly become overwhelming because of the many options available. But, don’t worry, we are going to look at these options. The first one is the HOB, which stands for Hang-on-back, this option is known for the fact that it’s easy to install and the maintenance is minimal.
This is external equipment, being hung on the back of the tank. The sponge filter is one that many fish owners love because they are great for small fish and provides great biological filtration.
The canister filter is one other popular option. The greatest advantage of this option is the fact that it offers massive media capacity. If you have a small tank, you probably don’t need this. Then there is the compact tank that’s easy to install, known as the internal tank.
Undergravel filters are also an option that many people opt for because they are budget-friendly and very efficient. Last but not least, there is the sump filter, it has a very big filtration capacity and water volume. So, depending on the size of the fish, the tank and what you need, you can find the right option.
How to Choose a Fish Tank Filter
You love your fish and want them to have the healthiest and happiest life possible, you’ve done the research, but still don’t know how exactly to choose the best fish tank filter. It’s true that not every option is suited for your tank, which is why we need to take a closer look at some of the elements at play.
The size of the tank is the first thing that needs to be written down. The aquarium’s manufacturer should offer a recommendation when it comes to the filter, based on the volume of water in your tank.
The filter’s flow rate refers to how much water the filter can move over a certain period of time. This is relevant because some fish prefer calmer water, while others prefer stronger water movement. Taking a look at the advantages and disadvantages of different filter types can also help.
People working at a pet shop can help you with some advice regarding these issues. You can go with some measurements and photos of the tank, along with information about the fish. Don’t be shy or afraid to ask professionals for advice. Moreover, you can check out this forum discussion on filter flow rate versus current.
Some Questions to Ask before Buying
There are three important questions that any respectable pet shop will agree that you need to know the answer too. The first one is related to what exactly the filter needs to remove.
The answer would be: all of the waste that is produced by the fish. As we already mentioned, the filter should provide enough mechanical and biological filtration to help manage the tank’s waste. The second question that you might have is how much water movement a fish need?
As an example, strong circulation can be useful for some species, but fish that naturally live in calm water can become stressed if they’re fighting a strong current.
Now, how much maintenance can you realistically manage? No matter what filter you choose, it will require maintenance; but it’s true that some need more than others. Some systems are less sophisticated and require less care, while others are the other way around.
At the end of the day, you are the only person who knows how many hours and care you can pour into caring for the filter. Any of these questions that you have, write them down and ask them the next time you enter a pet shop.
Conclusion
A fish tank filter is necessary if you have a fish that lives in a tank, there’s no way around that. There are a few main types of filters that you can consider when trying to choose the best one.
Remember that it’s essential to consider the size of the fish, the tank, your budget, and the amount of time you are willing to spend maintaining the filter. Making the right decision can be complicated, and you might even buy the wrong filter at first. The most important element is the fish’s well-being, so try to focus on that!
