A Guide to Aquarium Filtration

Owning and maintaining a tropical fish aquarium can be an exciting and challenging hobby. One of the most important concepts in the hobby is the science of proper filtration.

First, lets explore a common dysfunction in the set up of a new aquarium. When you purchase an aquarium, and place tropical fish in, it's not uncommon for the tank to become cloudy for several days. This is not an issue, in fact, this is a sign that you are off to a good start! This is the natural process of establishing a biological filter. Bacteria grows in numbers, so that it can handle the amount of waste that the fish produce. Much like human beings consume yogurt to gain beneficial bacteria, so too do fish. When depleted of beneficial bacteria resources, fish will typically become stressed and die.

Aquarium filters by definition are the removal of waste products of living creatures and toxic substances found in the water. If one can understand what filtration is and what it can and cannot do for your tank, then you will fully understand what type of filtration is best for your aquariums needs. It is important to remember that fish don't come from stagnant pools of water. They come from rivers, streams, lakes and oceans where evaporation and rainfall constantly replenish vitamins and minerals, elements and amino acids that are all necessary for the normal bodily functions of aquatic animals.

It is worth noting that regardless of what form of filtration you use you still need to preform regular partial water changes for the average hobbyist, approximately a 20% or 1/5 , water change every other week will replenish the vital nutrients your aquatic pet needs to grow healthy and reproduce.

There are an abundance of filters on the market today. Amongst the industry's most popular are: Under gravel,piggy back and canister filters.

Under gravel filters: Although it seems that the aquarium industry is turning away from this style of filter, none the less, the under gravel filter is the most common and typically the least expensive of these three types of aquarium filters. A gravel of no less than one half an inch must be utilized. Under the gravel is a filter plate usually the size of the aquariums length. One or two power heads pull the toxins and waste downward. This method actually uses the gravel to filter. However this style requires more frequent water changes.

Piggy back filters: Often referred to as piggy back, or outside filters, this style also utilizes a power head of sorts. Water is pulled through the head and back into the aquarium. The effect is not unlike that of a soothing waterfall, and this effect greatly contributes to it being the most popular style of aquarium filtration. In fact, most pet stores sell aquarium kits which come equipped with a piggy back, or outside filter.

The Canister filter: This is the best style on the market today. High speed water flow, using a water pump, through a very large filtering surface area creates the best of all filtering products. The canister is generally hidden either behind or under the aquarium. The canister filter is a requirement for salt water fish tanks.

Filtration is not the only worry of the aquarium enthusiast. One must consider proper lighting and heating requirements, water clarifiers and social restrictions. However, finding the proper filter to meet your aquariums needs is the first step in developing a healthy aquatic atmosphere for your hobby.