How to choose a filter for the aquarium

The key to longevity of the inhabitants of any aquarium is a properly built system of aeration and filtration of water. For this purpose, modern aquarium filters are used to solve many different problems. Cleaning the aquarium from impurities, debris and waste products of living beings, aeration and water saturation with oxygen are just a few of the tasks that a properly selected filter can solve.

content

1. The best manufacturers of aquarium filters
   
2. Types of filters for aquarium
3. The main criteria for selecting aquarium filters
4. Features of the choice of external filter for aquarium

The best manufacturers of aquarium filters

When choosing a device of this class, it is better to give preference to brands widely known in aquarist circles:

1. Tetra;

2. Eheim;

3. Jebo;

4. Aquael;

Product reviews of the above brands can be studied on the Internet, on various aquarium forums, as well as in social networks.

Types of filters for aquarium

External filters

Devices that are installed from the outside and do not occupy a useful area inside the aquarium. Capacity can reach 300-400 liters per hour. Designed for use in compact tanks, the volume of which does not exceed 80-100 liters. Allows the installation of replaceable filters, different in the principle of operation - mechanical, biological or chemical.

Virtues

• Outdoor installation does not hide the place;

• Unpretentious to maintain and clean;

• Suitable for use with aquariums up to 100 liters;

• High filtration performance;

• Three types of different filters;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

Bottom filters

Compact devices that are installed on the bottom of the aquarium and have an aesthetic appearance of a stone or other typical underwater object. Suitable for aquariums up to 60-80 liters. Possesses silent work and does not cause anxiety in underwater inhabitants. It fits perfectly into the design of the aquarium and does not look alien at the bottom.

Internal filters

They are a special container designed for installation directly into the aquarium. They have excellent aeration and perfectly filter the water. Used with aquariums, the volume of which can reach 100-120 liters. Unpretentious in maintenance and cleaning.

Virtues

• Productive;

• Provide for the connection of an additional air intake hose;

• Equipped with rotating nozzles that allow you to change the direction of water flow;

• Easy cleaning and maintenance;

• Inexpensive;

disadvantages

• Steal a place in the aquarium;

• Filtering is slightly worse than external models;

The main criteria for selecting aquarium filters

After the buyer is determined with a specific type of filter for the aquarium and the place of its installation, it is necessary to study the technical characteristics of the model and compare them with the operating conditions.

The maximum volume of the aquarium

Regardless of the design, a specific type of filter for an aquarium is designed to clean a certain volume of water. Using the device in a tank whose capacity exceeds the one recommended by the manufacturer will result in insufficient cleaning and death of pets as a result. This parameter should be chosen with a margin of 5-10 liters for efficient operation.

Device performance

Displays the amount of water flowing through the filter element for one hour of continuous operation. The higher the productivity, the more effective the process of water purification from pollution. The best models show a performance of 400-600 liters per hour, which, when installed in a small, about 60-80 liters, aquarium, allows the device to drive out all the aquarium water 3-4 times per hour of operation.

Filter type

Depending on what type of pollution is necessary to neutralize, there are 3 types of filters.

1. Mechanical. Filters garbage, sand, silt, suspension;

2. Biological. Designed to clean the waste products of organisms;

3. Chemical. Used to purify water from various chemical compounds (calcium, chlorine, iron);

Type of filler

Depending on what type of filler is used as a filtering element, the operational properties of a particular device can vary significantly.

1. Sponge is the simplest filler that performs both mechanical and biological water purification from suspended matter and waste products. Easy to use and undemanding to care. Differs in multiple use - all that is required is to remove the filter element and wash it;

2. Zeolite. Special material based on zeolite clay. Designed to filter all kinds of chemical compounds, chlorine, iron and ammonia. Each such filter is disposable and requires replacement after 3-4 months of use;

3. Activated carbon - the most common material for the manufacture of filters. Differs in high degree of a filtration and cleans water both from mechanical, and from biological garbage. The disadvantages include the tendency to absorb not only harmful, but also useful substances, as well as the need for frequent replacement - about 1 time per month;

4. Sintepon. The most finely porous material that provides fine water purification from suspension. For maximum efficiency and longer service life, it is recommended to use it with a sponge or zeolite filter;

5. Bio-filler. Special material, which is a special environment for the active reproduction of beneficial bacteria. They perform the filtration of water from biological and chemical debris. It is recommended to use together with a sponge or other filter that delays the suspension and mechanical particles;

power usage

Filters for an aquarium are devices that operate from a 220-volt network, and therefore attention must also be paid to power consumption. Most models are equipped with an electrical circuit, the power of which may require 5-7 watts of electricity per hour of operation, which is practically not displayed on the electricity bill.

The need to clean and replace filter elements

A replaceable element that acts as a filter becomes clogged with debris over time and ceases to perform the functions assigned to it. It is more convenient when the filter element is cleaned as little as possible without affecting the functioning of the device. In this case, the replacement of the filter can be combined with cleaning the aquarium and replacing water;

The direction of water flow and the possibility of its change

The jet of water coming out of the filter should be evenly distributed throughout the aquarium and not frighten the inhabitants with its appearance. It is better when the change of direction is carried out in the fan mode and is automatically adjusted.

Features of the choice of external filter for aquarium

The external filter is very often chosen consciously because of its ease of use, cleaning and maintenance. The parameters of a good device of this class are the following:

1. Productivity at the level of 300-400 liters per hour;

2. Permissible volume up to 100-120 liters;

3. Fan spray water flow;

4. The possibility of rapid replacement of the filter element if necessary;

5. Diverse types of filtering systems, changeable if necessary;

6. Minimum noise operation;

7. Energy consumption not higher than 10 watts per hour;

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a telescope and secrets microscope selection.

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.