How the filters work aquarium tank

When setting up an aquarium, a necessary component is a filter, but many people do not really give much idea of the filter. Knowing you need a filter is the first step, but understanding how the aquarium tank filters work and what really greatly help in deciding a filter for your tank.

In short, the filters of the aquarium to maintain water quality in the tank. They do this by removing of particles such as food, plant parts, feces and other debris in the water. The filters also eliminate chemicals and toxins such as ammonia and nitrite in water. If allowed to accumulate these lead to fish kills.

It is important to note that having a good filter does not eliminate the need for regular changes of water in your tank (approximately 10-20% of water should be changed every two weeks). Even the best filtration systems can not eliminate all water pollution for regular water changes are still needed. The flip side is also true is that the regular water changes alone are not sufficient to maintain health tank and some sort of filter should be in place.

A good aquarium filter provides three types of filtration – mechanical, chemical biological and described. Each element is as follows:

• Mechanical filtration - This refers to the filtration of particles in the water, such as plant debris, uneaten food, feces and any other "thing" that can get woke up in the tank. This type of filtering is done with a sponge, floss, a thick towel, or any other material that water can pass through, but larger pieces and particles that can not. Many filters use a cartridge for easy replacement for mechanical filtration. When the lid and the water does not flow freely, the cartridge is simply thrown out and replaced.
• Chemical filtration - As its name implies, this is the elimination of chemicals and other (not individuals) the toxins in the water. These include ammonia, nitrites and other chemicals. This is most commonly performed using activated charcoal or coal. Carbon absorbs gases and other dissolved solids, so the smells and colors are removed from the water. Other resins can be added to filter specifically the elimination of ammonia target. The chemical filtration is important because it deals with things that you can not see and if allowed to build, can cause serious problems for fish.
• Biological filtration - Perhaps the highest but important type of filtration is biological. Many novice aquarium owners do not even know that this is happening, but if you were not producing the fish would not survive. Biological filtration is carried out by large amounts of beneficial bacteria in the aquarium filter and the tank itself. The bacteria "eat up", or metabolize, much of the negative chemicals such as ammonia and nitrite, and become beneficial compounds such as nitrate (which feeds on live plants). Much of the biological activity occurs in the aquarium gravel substrate and is in fact is the reason undergravel filters are best for biological filtration.

None of the three filter elements can work independently all three must be present in an aquarium maintained properly. Having a better understanding of the mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration help guide the decision on what type of aquarium filter will be better for the tank style you want to keep.

About the Author

Andrew Bartlett is an aquarium enthusiast and expert in freshwater fish tank setup, with nearly 30 years of experience.  You can get more information by clicking on www.thefreshwateraquariumguide.com.

250 gallon saltwater fish tank aquarium, lion fish, tangs, clown fish

Milwaukee Instruments PH600AQ Ph Tester With 1 Point Manual Calibration $16.99 The Milwaukee Instruments pH Pen, PH600 is an easy to use pH meter. It features +- 0.2 Accuracy, one-point calibration and a long battery life (hours of continuous use). Calibration solution not included….

Digital PH Meter Tester for Aquarium, Fishing Industry, Swimming Pool, School Laboratory, Food and Beverage $7.11 This digital pen style pH meter is an ideal instrument for aquarium, fishing industry, swimming pool, school laboratory, beverage etc.Features: Weight: 65gSize: 15 x 3 x 1.5 cmMeter with protective plastic case and calibration screwdriverExcellent meter, very accurate and durableMeasuring pH Range: 0.0 – 14.0 pH Resolution: 0.1 pHAccuracy: ±0.1 pH (20°C), ±0.2 pHOperating Temperature: 0 – 50°C…

SodaStream 60-Litre Carbonators Spare Cylinders $29.99 1 Cylinder…

Fireplaces, Fishtank & Lava $4.59 Studio: Music Video Dist Release Date: 12/19/2006…

Free Willy (Snap Case) $2.93 Moving family drama about a troubled 12-year-old boy who gets a job at an adventure park, where he befriends the star attraction, a 7,000-pound killer whale named Willy. When the boy realizes Willy is miserable in captivity, he plans a way to release him to the ocean. Jason James Richter, Michael Madsen and Lori Petty star. 111 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Sp…

Aquarium $6.00 Danish group Aqua arrived on the international pop scene in 1997 with their multimillion-selling smash single “Barbie Girl.” Developing a formula pioneered by their successful Swedish rivals Ace of Base and Whigfield, the band demonstrated on this album that they were more than just one-hit wonders (at least in markets outside America). Skillfully crafted for instant, easily digestible consump…

Big Aquarium [VHS] $14.98 This episode in the Big Adventure series certainly lives up to its title. We visit the Tennessee Aquarium located in Chattahoochie, the largest indoor freshwater aquarium in the world. Through the blend of animation, title cards, and a playful soundtrack of music and kids conversing with the narrator, we learn about the Tennessee River Valley ecosystem, plus more exotic sea life from around the …

The Ultimate Aquarium Video $3.49 * * * TURNS YOUR T.V. INTO AN AQUARIUM! * * * FEATURING OVER 20 TANKS! * * * DOZENS OF COLORFUL FISH AND SEA CREATURES! * * * NOW YOU CAN TURN ANY TV SCREEN INTO A COLORFUL, EXOTIC SEASCAPE WITH THE ULTIMATE AQUARIUM VIDEO. POP THIS INTO YOUR VCR AND YOU’LL KNOW RIGHT AWAY WHY MANY PEOPLE FIND AQUARIUMS SO RELAXING. BUT, UNLIKE AQUARIUM OWNERS, YOU WON’T HAVE TO CHANGE THE WATER, CLEAN THE TANK OR…

How to Set Up Your New Top Fin Aquarium Starter Kit (Topfin) …

Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats $27.89 Hydrofarm MTPRTC Electronic Heat Mat Temperature ControllerHydrofarm MTPRTC Electronic Heat Mat Temperature Controller Features:; Electronic temperature controller for heat mats; Provides constant optimum temperatures for specific crops; Controls temperature in colder or warmer environments; Compatible with all heat mats; Optional for Hydrofarm Seedling Heat Mats; Illuminated indicator light; Thre…