Aquariums are one of the best things you have on display in your home or office. Not only do they improve the aesthetic appeal of any space, but they also make you a friend of the environment in a way. And setting up an aquarium, you will want to think about various aspects and perhaps install various pieces of equipment. Among them, is knowing how to choose the right filtration system. It is one of the most important items. This piece of equipment is designed to filter the water in the aquarium to ensure that your fish grow and thrive in a healthy environment while still supporting the flora inside. In other words, this means that the health and wellness of your lovely pets and aquarium plants depend highly on the filtration system you choose. This brings us to the main important question. How do you choose a good aquarium filter system?
Here are some tips to help choose the right filtration system for your aquarium.
1. Understand The Various Types of Filtration
There are three main types of filtration processes that filtration systems for aquariums use. These include mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. In the first one, debris and particulate matter are mechanically filtered using a foam, while the biological filtration process involves the use of bacteria cultures that get rid of harmful toxins from the aquarium water to keep a healthy nitrogen cycle. In chemical filtration, activated carbon is used to filter the water and get rid of dissolved wastes. Learn more about the nitrogen cycle at The Witty Fish.
While there are filtration systems that incorporate all the three, most of them come with mechanical and biological capabilities, with an option of adding chemical filtration, which makes the system more efficient. Once you understand this, choosing a good filtration system for your aquarium becomes easier.
2. Consider The Size of Your Aquarium
Aquarium filtration systems come in a wide variety of sizes. To get the best one for your tropical pet house, it is important to consider the size of your aquarium. Experts basically suggest picking a filter that allows all the water in your aquarium to pass through it, at least 4 times an hour. Additionally, the size of the filter will also affect its price, which brings us to the next important consideration.
3. Budget
In this age and day pricing is an important factor to consider when buying anything. The best aquarium filter for you is the one that will support your fish without leaving holes in your pocket. This brings us to the next important step… the importance of familiarizing with the various specific types of aquarium filters.
4. The Filtration Needs of Your Fish
This is where the real choosing actually begins. There are many types of filter systems, each of them with specific pros and cons. Some of the most common ones include the following:
- Box Filters – Also called corner filters, these are smaller, more cost-effective and best suited for small tanks.
- Canister Filters – Powerful filter systems, suitable for large aquariums
- Diatomic Filters – Excellent for removing very tiny particles
- Wet/Dry (Trickle) Filters – Mostly used in saltwater fish aquariums
- Fluidized Bed Filters – Biological filters that use sand and chips of silica to filter your aquarium water
- Power Filters – Combine mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. They’re powerful but a bit expensive
- Sponge Filters – inexpensive and often used for quarantine purposes or in small tanks
- Under Gravel Filters (UGF) – low maintenance filters, often sold with beginner aquariums
As you can see, you’re spoiled with options when you approach an aquarium filter sale. The bottom-line is that you have to consider a filtration system that will support your fish and other life inside the aquarium. With the above tips, making a decision shouldn’t be so hard.
