How To Match The Right Water Filter
How To Match The Right Water Filter:
For aquatic creatures to be in good health, it is essential that the aquarium water is clean and is of good quality. Good quality water can be maintained by using efficient water filter. Aquarium filter is a crucial part of any aquarium.
Water filter is a device that helps in eliminating toxic chemical contents from the fish tank’s water. It removes the impurities either by acting as a physical barrier or by chemical procedure and helps to maintain a healthy aquatic environment for the fishes to survive.
To find the right water filter that matches your need:
- The first step to get the right filter for aquarium is to know the kind of filtering system best suited for the water tank. The three types of filtering systems are biological, mechanical, and chemical.
- Individuals can choose the right water filter for their water tank depending on the purpose, kind, and dimension of the tank.
- Box corner filters are generally the most recommended types of filters, which are suitable for almost all kinds of water tanks. These filters made of plastic have all the filtration elements.
- While choosing the right water filter, the size of the tank and the number of fishes in the tank also has to be considered. If the tank is small and contains tiny fishes, it is advisable to use sponge type filters. This would ensure protection to the fishes from being sucked into the filters.
- If the water tank requires short-term mechanical filtration, Diatom filters would best serve the purpose. Fibrous pads located inside the mechanical filters absorb the filthy waste materials present in the aquarium tank and thereby clean the water. The filter elements of mechanical water filter are generally made of polyester, wool and sponge.
- If the aquarium is saltwater aquarium, wet-dry water filter is best suited, as they give all three types of filtrations – biological, chemical and mechanical. Though these filters are costly, they are very efficient. Also, this type of filter does not require much maintenance.
Some tips to help you find the best filter:
- Chemical filters are suitable for most kinds of water tanks. These filters use activated charcoal, which acts as filtering element to remove both dissolved and un-dissolved toxic wastes in the water.
- Mechanical filters are designed to eliminate waste materials by way of filter floss.
- It is advisable to put biological filters before fishes are added to the tank. These filters work on the principle of releasing bacteria to counter ammonia and nitrates.
No water filter, however, can keep aquarium water clean forever. Over a period, the water quality deteriorates. Therefore, periodic water changes are a necessary part of total filtration system.