Best Aquarium Filters: Ultimate guide & Reviews

November 12, 2018 by

To maintain a fish tank, you should use some necessary tools. And one of these devices is an aquarium filter. Thanks to the aquarium filter, you do not have to change water and clean the aquarium all the time.

It also helps you keep clean the fish tank. You can take advantage of using the aquarium filter, but how can you find the best one? The fact is that this is a piece of cake to look for.

What makes the best aquarium filter?

Of course, the first authority of an aquarium filter is clearing up debris and other dirty things. And most people always stay focused on this point. Nevertheless, there are other factors a fish aquarium owner should take into account. And I think you should do it, too!

  • The cost of a filter
  • The kind of that filter (you even see some types of filter media used because you will get a better comparison)
  • How to use it (is it simple to control)
  • How quiet or loud of a filter is
  • How easy or difficult of maintenance of a filter
  • The flow rate, input, and output of the filter
  • The media parameters of the filter
  • Other applications of the filter

A quick glance at the types of the filter

Canister filter

Canisters are top rated, but these are the most expensive filters. They have 3 main stages of filtration that you enable to add, get rid of, and change the filtration material.

Primarily, these are containers which have an inflow and outflow of water technology. They still maintain the cleanliness of aquarium water longer than other filters.

If you have a big tank, canister filters will be a great option with powerful filters and various water flow.

Of course, you enable to choose a smaller canister for your tank.

Hang on filters

Hang on filters would be fantastic for the open fish aquariums. They often offer 3 kinds of filtration if they have good quality. However, these require some changeable cartridges. They may also inflate with a small waterfall they make.

Trickle filters

If you are having a saltwater tank, then you could consider a trickle filter. Nonetheless, the price for establishing this filter is not affordable at all. Use it when your tank needs to deal with the biological filtration.

Power filters

These are quite popular filters used nowadays. They usually offer chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration as well. They, of course, have different sizes to fit on each side of the aquarium (up to 75 gallons).

Most novices love these because it is easy to set up and use. Also, they do not get stuck with the maintenance when it is time to do this task. The price is so economical for most people as well.

Other filters

There are also a few fresh aquarium filters which include sponges and can move the water by aeration. However, they often have poor performance because of slow water flow. Moreover, you enable to think of self-made aquarium filters, but be sure to find out the reliable source.

How about the filtration system?

Before choosing the aquarium filter, I think you should know 2 things. Ask yourself why you should need to get a high-quality aquarium filtration system and how it does.

Absolutely, an excellent filtration system is one of the largest investments and could become the difference between an enjoyable thing and a stuck nightmare. Fortunately, picking the true system could be hard because there are various options.

An aquarium filter system often has several types like these:

  • Corner filters or boxes
  • Canister filters are used for big aquarium filter systems
  • Internal filters
  • Diatomic filters
  • Fluidized bed filters
  • Hang on back filters (HOB) or power filters
  • Sponge filters
  • Trickle filters (wet or dry ones): these also put under the aquarium
  • Under gravel filters

On the other hand, a fish tank filtration needs to have good waste to diminish harmful debris in the aquarium. Normally, there are 3 major types of waste which are:

  • Solid waste: the filter and sponge floss you change in the filter will help you remove dirt and debris. This is called mechanical filtration.
  • Organic waste: When you turned on carbon in your filter system, you are hoping it controls anything which is dissolved in your aquarium water. It could be making odor or discoloration. This is the chemical filtration.
  • Biological waste: this is the main consequence of the nitrogen cycle like ammonia and nitrate. These are removed by a biological filtration like Biomax or Seachem.

Today, you may hear the chemical filtration system and you do not know what it is. In fact, this is the process of removing or neutralizing chemical substances from aquarium water with the support of dynamic carbon only.

Top 5 Best Aquarium Filter Reviews

Fluval C4 Power Filter

This unit is popular for its performance and reliability. It is designed with a five-stage filtration process. So, it can help to maintain a clean aquarium. There are three filter media types, including biological, mechanical, and chemical.

Besides these three filtration media, this filter comes with other beneficial features. For instance, it can be able to process 264 gallons of tank water per hour.

This aquarium filter also comes with a patented control system. Therefore, you can take control over the water flow. At the same time, it helps to protect the tank inhabitants. Plus, it’s easy to maintain it.

The Aqueon Quietflow Filter 55/75 400 GPH

This is one of the best choices when it comes to aquarium filters. It offers attractive features at an affordable price. Actually, it’s considered as a Power Filter, so you can set up it on the back of the aquarium.

It’s easy to use and clean this filter. It comes in all three types of filter media, including biological, mechanical, and chemical. It can be able to clean your tank effectively. In addition, it features an automatic startup.

You can choose this product for a 55-gallon to the 75-gallon aquarium. In fact, it is capable of processing approximately 400 gallons of water per hour. In spite of its high capacity, it produces little to no noise.

However, this option is not great for goldfish and Betta Fish.

The Aquaclear 20 Power Filter

If you want to get a great aquarium filter for small aquariums, this product is made for you. You can set up it on the back of the aquarium wall. In fact, this option is safe for children. Moreover, it’s also easy to clean and install. It comes with a filter pump made with energy efficiency in mind.

However, you may want to get a larger aquarium. Then, you can want to consider a larger filter to handle a higher capacity.

Once again, this unit is a good choice for beginners with small aquariums. However, it requires you to clean the propeller box once power outages. Besides, the filter may make noise for some.

Penn Plax Cascade 1,000 Aquarium Water Filter

If you need a filter for experienced fish hobbyists, consider choosing the Penn Plax. It’s capable of big things. You can use it for large aquariums with a large number of inhabitants. Also, it’s considered to be an aquarium filter for saltwater.

It can be able to remove debris as well as impurities thanks to the mechanical as well as chemical filtration media. This option can handle up to 100 gallons of water per hour. Especially, it offers a very quiet operation.

Fluval 206 External Canister Filter

The last filter we want to mention in this list is the Fluval 206 External Canister Filter. It’s a perfect choice for smaller aquariums around 40-gallons.

It’s easy to use because of the user manual and start-up guide. There are all three filtration media, including biological, mechanical, and chemical. Also, it’s a good option for families with young napping children because it’s nearly silent.

You can easily access and clean it when needed. However, it comes with a basic output nozzle without a spray bar.

When it comes to the carbon pads… 

Along with the aquarium filter, fish tanks should have carbon pads. These often utilized in a few different models of a filter. They feature great carbon element like a charcoal of getting rid of many toxins from the aquarium water and enhancing its clarity.

More importantly, all items containing carbon have a limited lifespan only. You should replace them when they reach their end using day because they can leave other dirty components back into the water.

Bottom line

Filtration systems play an important role in owning fish as pets. If you don’t have filtration, your fish can be ill. They also may likely not survive. That’s why it’s important to choose the right filtration device for your desired fish tank.

When you want to look up the brand for your aquarium filter, you should find some most ones like API, Eheim, Fluval, and Marineland. Finding the best aquarium filter is not a hard game to play anymore. Break a leg!

Filed Under: Filter

How To Soften Aquarium Water

May 16, 2018 by

When it comes to aquariums and fish tanks, one of the most important parts is water hardness. But, not all fish owners understand the meaning and purpose of hardness. It may be measured in terms of degrees. There are two types of water hardness including Carbonate Hardness and General Hardness. So, how to soften aquarium water? Let’s check out this article for the answer.

Soften Aquarium Water

General Hardness (GH)

The General Hardness of the water is the result of the amount of dissolved calcium as well as magnesium in aquarium water. It can be able to effect on tropical fish. So, it’s essential to know whether the fish can thrive in the water or not before you decide to place them in that water. Certain species of tropical fish can be able to live in water with general hardness.

And, some others can be able to live in soft water. That’s why it’s important to conduct research on the type of tropical fish you plan to keep in the tank. If you ignore this step, you can take several lives of fish as well as cost your money. The majority of tropical fish are capable of living in tap water as well. However, the water doesn’t contain chloramine and chlorine.

Most importantly, you need to avoid keeping your fish in water that’s too hard or too soft. If your fish can be able to thrive in soft water only, don’t place them in tap water in any way. If you still do it, it can make your fish death. But in some cases, your fish can be able to adapt well enough, especially for the water with sufficient natural hardness.

How to Purify Tap Water for Your Aquarium?

Carbonate Hardness (KH)

The level of bicarbonate and carbonate ions you find in the aquarium water is called carbonate Hardness. It is also the buffering capability of the water. Thanks to the carbonate hardness measurement, you can know the number of times the aquarium’s pH level will fluctuate. If the KH is larger, the water’s pH value is also steadier and vice versa. The fact is that there is a direct combination between the Carbonate Hardness and pH.

How to Soften Aquarium Water?

If you want to keep hardness in check, you have to measure it regularly. So, it’s important to know how to soften aquarium water. By this way, you can keep your tropical fish safe. But, just do it gradually in order not to disrupt the lifestyle and health of your tropical fish.

Reverse Osmosis

In order to reduce water hardness in the most economical way, you need to use Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) units. They can be able to remove contaminants, metals, as well as minerals from the source of the water. Also, you can use water containers for the same purpose. Most importantly, remember to maintain consistency.

Water Softening Pillows

Another way to soften hard water is installing these units in the filter of the aquarium. This is also a great method for softening aquarium water in smaller tanks. The thing you need to do is just laying the water softening pillows in the filter. Then, let the water pass through it.

Rain Water

For tropical fish, it’s a great idea to use rainwater. But for that, it’s essential to make sure you use the clean water. It means that you need to make sure all the aspects of the rainwater catching system are clean as well as sterile.

Peat

Many fish owners choose to use peat to deal with hard water by placing the peat inside the filter. This way have the purpose of letting the hard water go through the peat before they come back into your tank. In addition, you can also soak the peat in a large container for about 2 weeks. Also, remember to keep the water aerated with an airstone. However, don’t forget to boil this peat first. It’s best to buy peat without any additives.

Driftwood

Using driftwood is also an effective way to soften hard water in your aquarium. But, you need to use clean driftwood. First, you have to boil it in order to eliminate any toxins. But, you just can apply this way to smaller pieces. And, you need to pour boiling water on top of the wood when it comes to larger ones. Then, you need to scrub it with a brush.

Although tannins can’t cause any damage to your fish, it can be able to make the water look brownish. That’s why it’s essential to soak the wood in a container before you decide to place it in the tank. You need for a few weeks for this. Last, remember to add that airstone.

Conclusion

All of above information promise to help you learn how to keep your fish healthy. If you don’t soften hard water, it can cause severe damage to the fish. This is considered as one of the most important responsibilities of any fish owner. So, it’s important to check the levels of General Hardness and Carbonate Hardness. Hopefully, you find our article interesting and useful.

Filed Under: How to

How To Clean A Canister Filter

April 13, 2018 by

How To Clean A Canister Filter

One of the most important pieces of equipment you have is the tank filter. That’s why it’s important to keep it clean. Nowadays, there are many types of filters you can choose from. But, many aquarium hobbyists don’t know how to clean and maintain their filters. Keeping a fish tank clean play an important role in ensuring your fish are healthy.In this post, we will guide you to clean a canister filter. Check out to learn about it.

Read more: Understand Aquarium Filtration

Step 1: Turn Off The Filter

This is the first important step you need to do before touching anything else. You need to unplug it from the power socket. Then, don’t forget to check the outflow tube.You just proceed to the next step if you see no water coming out of it.

Step 2: Turn Off Shut Off Valves

After unplugging your canister filter, it’s time to turn the shut-off valves horizontally. This has the purpose of preventing water from spilling out while disconnecting the tubes from the motor housing.

Step 3: Unscrew The Tubes

In this step, you have to turn the locking nut off of the threaded pipe gradually. Do this until the locking nut comes loose. You need to know that there will be trapped water in the motor housing that comes out. Then, you have to set the pipes aside.

Step 4: Transport The Filter

In this step, you need to transport the filter to an area. More importantly, make sure that you won’t get a little wet. It’s best to do this outside near a hose or at the kitchen sink. In addition, you have to have the high-pressure water.

Step 5: Remove The Motor Housing

If you want to do this, it’s essential to release the locks on all four sides. This purposes to remove the housing.Once again, you may see some water spilling out. But, don’t worry! When removing the housing, you need to do gently. Then, set the housing aside. We recommend you to grab a towel for more water than expected spills out.

Step 6: Remove The Guts

If you want to remove the guts, you have toremove everything in your filter. But, don’t remove the trays holding your biological media. You need to soak them in water while cleaning the rest of your canister filter. This helps to avoid the loss of beneficial bacteria needed for your fish. Remember that you will have to put these items back in very quickly. That’s why we recommend you to keep them close to you.

Step 7: Time To Clean

Rinse the media traysremoved in your sink or hose. Then, use an old toothbrush or scrub pad to clean them. By this way, you can remove all of the gross and slimy algae. In addition, you also need to clean the filter pads well.

Step 8: Removing The Impeller

When removing the impeller from the motor housing, be careful! The reason is that it’s extremely fragile. So, it can be broken easily.Also, carefully clean the impeller because they are so fragile. Don’t too worry. You can buy replacements almost aquarium supplies stores.

Step 9: Clean The Impeller

This step is very important. Indeed, if you ignore this step, it can affect the performance of your filter. As a result, the motor may be damaged due to the resistance the gunk on the impeller. In addition, don’t forget to clean the plastic parts around the impeller. To do this step, you need the toothbrush. Avoid using a scrub brush because it can make more pressure on the impeller.

Step 10: Clean The Impeller Hole

This step is also an important step. You have to take a q-tip and then hold it the hold consisting of the impeller. The sides of this hole are able to collect a bunch of gunk that makes a malfunctioning impeller.

Step 11: Remove Biological Media Trays

In this step, you need to take out your biological media trays. Do this as fast as possible. Then, set these strays aside. You can use a bucket of aquarium water and set them on. It’s a bad idea to reuse this water.

Step 12: Cleaning The Canister

Spray some high pressure into the canister filter to clean it. Then, rinse the filter out again. You can prepare a really clean cloth to wipe your canister filter. It ensures to gather all of the slime and debris.

Step 13: Reassemble

For this step, you just need to put everything back in the canister filter. Then, you have to lock the motor housing in place. Next, it’s time to bring your filter back to the aquarium. Remember to screw the shut-off valves.

Step 14: Turn On The Shut Off Valves & Fill

The first thing you need to do is turning the valves back to the “on” status. In order to do this easily, you need to lift the front locking bracket up. Don’t forget to watch the water level. And, remember to lock the bracket back in place right after the water level hits the motor housing.

Step 15: Plug It In

Last, you need to plug your canister back in. Then, use the top priming button a few times in order to prime it. Make sure everything can work well. Both the plug and your hand have to be dry if you don’t want to get electrocuted.

Filed Under: Filter

How to Maintain Your Aquarium

March 19, 2018 by

Not everyone can maintain their aquarium properly. Maintaining your aquarium will help you keep your fish tank cleaner. It may be a challenge, especially for those who start off with fish keeping. Actually, with a good aquarium maintenance practices, you can get a healthy aquatic environment as well as thriving fish. In this article, we will help you learn how to maintain your aquarium.

Maintain Your Aquarium

ALGONE Beautifies & Balances the Aquarium

You can choose to spend thirty minutes on maintenance every other week. This has the purpose of resolving expensive and time-consuming problems. The tank stability is the biggest factor for maintenance. Just when everything is running properly, you needn’t any major change. You also have to be careful with the increases or decreases of the major aquarium water parameters.

Water Change

When it comes to maintaining your aquarium, the water change is an important factor. It’s best to do this about every two weeks. You just need about 10-15% of the tank volume. We recommend you to replace the water extracted when you vacuum the gravel. It will help to eliminate uneaten foods as well as other residues on your tank.

Don’t forget to check the water parameters of both the tank. In addition, check the replacement water as well. Most tap water comes with chloramine or chlorine. That’s why you need to use a water conditioner in order to neutralize the chlorine in both cases.

However, you don’t eliminate ammonia in the latter. And, the nitrifying bacteria will break down them. You will have to take the longer time to do this. Other elements of municipal water include iron, phosphates, as well as other heavy metals.

If you want to learn about your tap water chemistry, it’s best to contact your local water company. Although well water is normally harder than tap water, it doesn’t contain chlorine/chloramine.

You also have to check your filtered water on a regular basis. This is the same as one part of your aquarium maintenance routine.

Testing Aquarium Water

You can’t see water chemistry. That’s why it’s important to check it on a regular basis. We recommend you to make this a routine. It’s best to do this when changing the water.The important parameters include nitrites, PH, nitrates, and carbonate hardness. The PH is actually from 6.5 – 7.5. This level is great for most species. However, you can also adjust them if slightly out of range.

You need to keep the PH under close observation if it reaches close to 4.5 dH or 80 ppm. Keep taking your action if the PH decreases any further.

If you want to raise the kH, you can use haft a teaspoon of baking soda per twenty-five gallons. Normally, you won’t detect nitrites at all times. Once you detect it, it’s time to check on ammonia as well. It’s essential to keep them below 10 ppm in the freshwater. For marine and reef, you need to keep nitrates below 5 ppm.

Aquarium Filtration

One of the essential things is the right function of the filter. You should change filter inserts at least every four weeks.A high fish load will need shorter periods. You also need to clean the filter once a month. To do this, you use the water extracted from the tank when changing the water.

Recommended Aquarium Maintenance Routine

Daily

The equipment has to be ensured to be running properly.When you feed your fish, don’t forget to watch them. You can easily realize any potential problem thanks to behavioral changes.

Weekly

It’s important to count your fish in the tank. If your fish death, there will be ammonia and nitrite spikes. At the same time, the nitrate levels are also high.

Every Other Week

You need to test your water for the vital parameters. They include carbonate hardness, PH, nitrate, and nitrite. Remember to change 10-15% of the water. The second important task is vacuuming the gravel. It’s also essential to clean the aquarium walls. It’s best to use filter floss to do this effectively. Do this often. Last, remember to rinse filter inserts. You need to use the extracted water.

Monthly

Replace some items including cartridges, filter inserts, carbon, floss, and Algone. Make sure connections inspect tubing, skimmers, and other parts can operate properly. So, check them often. Your lighting has not to be affected.

So, it’s important to clean aquarium top. Pay attention to the expiration dates printed on the boxes you are using for your aquarium. It’s wrong to use after the imprinted date.

Aquarium Maintenance: Hydro-Vacuums

In order to use a hydro-vacuum, you need to push the attachment into the gravel. Also, you need to suck on the other end of the hose. But, the outer end of the hose has to be kept lower than the rim of the tank. It’s best to place the end of the hose in a bucket that is below the water level.

Then, the gravel swirl will be around the large end of the hydro-vacuum. And, you just need to pull the attachment out of the gravel. You will clean the gravel bed while you needn’t remove the gravel from the tank.

You should do this every two to eight weeks. It’s time to change the filter materials in the power filter. If they can be reusable, you need to place it in a bucket with some aquarium water. The tap water you use has to be the same temperature as the tank water. Last, it’s essential to replace the granular activated carbon.

Filed Under: How to

Understanding Aquarium Filtration

February 5, 2018 by

Aquarium filtration is a great thing for most people. Many people have a misconception. They think that the filter should care for overfeeding and as well as keep the water perfectly suitable for fish.

Most of the new filters are complex, large, and expensive. You may not know the amount of filtration is the cause of most problems. In this post, we will help you clear up the mystery as well as understand this.

It’s easy to keep your aquariums not only clean but also suitable for fish as you see. There are three basic methods to filter water including chemical, mechanical and biological filtration.

Most filter systems are related to a combination of at least two of them. In addition, some use all three. Now, let’s take a look at this post for more details.
Understanding Aquarium Filtration

With chemical filtration

In order to remove an impurity, you can consider using an item such as carbon or zeolite. The chemical reaction normally is very short lived. In addition, it can lessen rapidly from the very beginning of the use.

In my mind, you should think about this type of filtration as a temporary measure when you prefer to do an extraordinary amount of maintenance on a continual basis. This is a great choice for removing medications from the water. Also, it’s great to reduce sudden spikes of toxins.

You should have some of these items on hand. However, it’s not good to incorporate them into your daily filtration system. Generally, you may have to waste time and money on doing this.

Mechanical filtration

This is related to the trapping as well as removal of waste particles. Actually, this is considered as a great idea. In fact, most filters can’t do it for the aquarist effectively.

Most mechanical filters can be able to work well for trapping some particulate matter. They come with a tendency that moves the water too fast. That’s why it may break the particulate matter into smaller pieces.

The fact is that these small pieces will be going to become suspended. They contain the dangerous heterotrophic bacteria. And, they may be harmful to our fish. You need to keep the bacteria away from our fish.

Filters moving water through the aquarium at higher speeds can be able to make it worse. Small waste particles are considered to be the enemy.

Filters moving water too fast can create a large number of small bubbles and make them become an even greater problem. Water movement needs to be slow enough to cause the particles in order to encourage small waste particles to settle in the filter chamber.

It’s hard to achieve this with most power filters as well as canister filters. Very large aquariums come with proportionately large settling chambers.

Aside from removing these particles from the water column, you should remove them from the bottom of the tank. That the fins of fish often touch the bottom can cause problems when your fish friend rubs against them. Thus, you should draw a filter from the tank bottom as well as anything it can’t get.

After you let waste be on the tank bottom for more than one day, it will turn into an unsightly mulm. At this stage, it can be able to increase the dissolved solids in the water. That’s why you need to make much difference by cleaning your filter a couple day.

Biological filtration

During this process, nitrifying bacteria actually break down nitrites and ammonia as well. In fact, it’s not difficult to have adequate nitrifying bacteria in aquariums, including ornamental fish. You can have to raise somewhere around 100-150 adult angelfish when it comes to a 20-gallon tank.

In the one with angelfish or other ornamentals, problems from heterotrophic bacteria or dissolved organics could destroy the fins. Also, they may be able to kill the fish long before ammonia become a problem.

A surprisingly small biological filter can help to deal with the ammonia produced in the average aquarium that has ornamental species. Thus, it’s not hard to provide with a small inexpensive filter.

Tying it all together

The fact is that chemical filtration is not great for most aquarists. Also,  mechanical filtration performed in a manner can be detrimental. Actually, most aquarists depend on these. And, some of the most expensive filters may be also the least effective.

An undergravel filter is one of the oldest filters. Water flows through the gravel will create a very effective biological filter. If you set up the flow going down through the gravel, it will create an effective mechanical filter.

If they are maintained properly, they will be very effective. You won’t have to pay much for buying them. So, they are the best options for an aquarium with a substrate.

When you set one up, remember to put the filter plates on the bare tank bottom. Then, you use a layer of polyester batting in order to cover them. The foam purposes to protect the substrate from falling into the filter plate. In addition, it helps to give the greater surface area for nitrifying bacteria as well.

Also, you have to cover it with a substrate. When you do a water change, you need to remove particulate matter thanks to a gravel cleaner.

When it comes to breeding operations or the raising of fry, you should consider using bare bottom tanks. But, the fact is that not all foam filters are great. You have to choose one with a pore size appropriate for keeping your fish. It’s best to provide an adequate surface area for nitrifying bacteria.

A note about filter size

Not all filters come in a specific size for a particular number of gallons of water. They help to consume ammonia and nitrites from a particular bio-load. This includes the total mass of fish as well as heterotrophic bacteria in the tank. They need to be sized accordingly to the number as well as the size of fish related to water temperature, Ph, age, and a few other factors.

Filed Under: Filter

Best Filter For Your 5 Gallon Betta Tank

January 30, 2018 by

Although the 5 gallon is just a small one, this part is still an important part of the equation. Especially, it’s important when you want to work with delicate fish like bettas. The fact is that impurities and debris can be able to mount up quickly.

Bettas are one of the most common fish for beginners. They require you to give them the right kind of care as well as attention. This purposes to keep them healthy and safe. But, it’s not easy to determine the best betta filter for you.

Check out this post, we will give you five best filter for 5 gallon fish tank. Then, you can choose the right one.

Betta Tank Filters Reviews

Luffy Marimo Moss Ball

If you want to get something with the benefit of being a living plant, a toy for your bettas, a biological filtration device, and an adorable low-maintenance aquarium ornament to boot, this is a great choice for you. They are gorgeous decor items.

Actually, these moss ball are also live plants absorbing nitrates from your tank such as phosphate and ammonia. They can be able to oxygenate the water. This is really a great option for a small tank of 5 gallons. It can help to keep the water fresh without using a mechanical or power filter. They are available in sizes from “nano” to “giant”.

This product is completely natural and eco-friendly. Especially, this unit is dyed or painted. In fact, it is made of 100% natural moss. They require some light as well as freshwater to survive. The thing you need to do is giving it a gentle wash first.

Next, you have to submerge it in the aquarium right now. In addition, don’t forget to rotate them regularly. By this way, you can prevent them from developing brown “pressure” spots.

This choice helps to reduce algae growth thanks to the added advantage. They enjoy eating the same nutrients as algae. That’s why they absorb the available nitrates, ammonia, and phosphates. In addition, they can be snail-proof as well.

Aqueon Quetflow E Internal Power Filter 10

This product is well known for the ability to do the job quickly and effectively. That’s why it’s a great choice. It comes with mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

In addition, it offers a higher flow rate than other products.It’s best to choose the 10-100g model in order to avoid accidentally ending up with a 50 – 400-gallon monster. It allows you to adjust the flow rate. So, your bettas aren’t spun around in the tank.

In order to slow the flow, you need to create a filter baffle. It comes with also an auto-start pump. It can be able to restore. Plus, it has Aqueon replacement filter cartridges in the small size. You can easily find it online.

Aquaclear Power Filter 110V

This is another choice for your 5-gallon betta tank. It comes with a gentle water flow. It allows your fish to swim around calmly and safely. This filter is quiet.

Also, it has a hang-on system. It uses continuous biological filtration via foam as well as carbon BioMax filter inserts. It helps to protect healthy bacteria in your tank once you remove toxic chemicals as nitrates and ammonia.

It offers three media inside it. They include a foam insert on the bottom, an activated carbon filter insert in the middle, and a special BioMax ceramic ring on the top level.

Remember that this product is a high-maintenance filter. So, you may have to pay more for it. It requires you to clean at least every two weeks. Also, it’s important to replace the inserts every month.

Bacto Surge High-Density Foam Filter

This is a great choice for those who want to find a filter that doesn’t make any noise at all. Moreover, this is also a standard foam filter. This is a small mechanical filter. This filter doesn’t pump any water. So, it has no current to stress your fish.

In addition, this unit is a little chunky. The unit is black. It comes with a weighted bottom. In order to avoid that it’s floating, you should squeeze it. By this way, it can be able to fully absorbs the water as well as sink back down.

You need to clean regularly sponge filter. It’s best to do this at least every week to 10 days. This is a simple process. The thing you need to do just is using your existing aquarium water. Then, wash the muck off the sponge. Avoid using hot water, distilled water, or tap water.

Penn Plax World Aquarium Filter

It’s not easy to look for a filter designed especially for a small aquarium. The Penn Plax is a small and inexpensive filter. The zeolite crystals will help to prevent harmful gases and odors.

You can easily attach the filter to any air pump just by using your existing tubing. It has a bracket and suction cups that help to attach to your aquarium wall. This option can work best for tanks up to 3 gallons. That’s why you can use it in combination with another filtration method.

The cartridge in this filter requires you to change regularly. Because this filter is small and gets filled up quickly. Thus, you need to stay on top of replacements in order to keep your tank healthy, clean, and fresh.

How to Choose A Filter For 5 Gallon Betta Tank

Last, you have to choose a filter based on your aquarium as well as the kind of betta you intend to stock in it. There are some things to consider when it comes to selecting a filter.

Bettas actually do best with gentle, no flow, and low filtration. If you need a mechanical filter with a pump, you should choose one with a slow flow rate or a rate that allows you to change.

Consider one with a cartridge system because you can easily remove it. Remember to replace it regularly. And, you need to determine if the filter is reliable. It’s best to talk to other fish owners for more experience.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, the best filter you should choose needs to work for you, your tank, your bettas, as well as your individual circumstances. Depending on your need, you can choose biological, chemical, or mechanical one.

Filed Under: Filter

The Importance of A Fish Tank Filter

January 28, 2018 by

It’s a fun and relaxing hobby when you decide to set up a freshwater fish tank. The fact is that it’s easy to maintain a tank. It can also help to provide hours of enjoyment and beauty to your home.

But, when setting up the aquarium, you have to consider some very important factors like choosing the right freshwater aquarium filters. A good aquarium filter will be able to maintain several things in your tank.

Indeed, it can keep the water clean, circulated, and aerated. This is essential for the health of your freshwater fish. There are some things to know about aquarium filtration systems. Check out this article to learn about them.

The Importance of A Fish Tanks filter

The Purpose of Aquarium Filters

If you own a fish, you surely wonder if you should purchase a filter for your aquarium. A filter basically has the purpose of cleaning the water of debris, aerating the water, as well as removing the toxic buildup of ammonia and nitrates. They allow your fish to breathe.

Sure, thanks to very simple tanks, you can clean the tank, remove the fish, replace the water, as well as return the fish. But, it’s traumatizing to remove the fish. In fact, a filter doesn’t require you to do all that work every week.

There are three things to deal with when it comes to your filter. They include biological, mechanical, and chemical.

Biological:

Fish offers ammonia from their gills when breathing. Also, they realize as their waste breaks down. You need to remove this ammonia from the tank because it’s toxic to fish.

Mechanical:

Water contains many chemicals that harm fish such as chlorine, dissolved proteins, copper, or even dissolved medications and dyes. The task of aquatic filtration systems purposes to remove all the harmful chemicals.

Chemical:

Water contain many chemicals that harm fish such as chlorine, dissolved proteins, copper, or even dissolved medications and dyes. The task of aquatic filtration systems purposes to remove all the harmful chemicals.

Types Of Aquarium Filters

Now, you get the general understanding of the purpose of an aquarium filter. So, you can easily decide on the type of aquarium filter you should look for. There is a wide range of different types of filters.

Power filters:

Aquarium power filters are available in a variety of price ranges. You can easily use them. They come with all three of the basic tank needs. In addition, they have a bio-wheel or replaceable filter. It helps to give additional biological support to the tank.

Canister filters:

They are great choices for larger tanks. But, this type is a little more difficult to maintain. But, they can be able to give you excellent water filtration.

Undergravel filters:

They are placed under a layer of gravel of the tank. They rely on an air pump to work. These filters can be able to work well as biological filters in spite of many models including replaceable filters at the end of the tube for mechanical filtration or chemical.

Setting Up Your Aquarium Filter

One of the most important steps in setting up your freshwater aquarium filter is priming properly the pump. This helps you make sure the filter can perform at its most optimum level. When you want to set up your freshwater aquarium filter, you need to follow these 3 basic steps:

Set up the filter:

It’s important to follow the instructions to the right placement of the filter system. Whether you have to place the filter under the gravel or attached to the back of the tank, it’s essential to place all of the components properly.

Clean the filtration system first:

You need to rinse all of the filter parts. These parts are actually washable clean water before you submerge it in the water.

Prime the pump:

The motor will be burned by running a filter without water. That’s why you need to make sure that the pump is primed. Some freshwater aquarium filters can have a priming button. If not, you have to follow the instructions included with the filter. Actually, it’s related to filling the pump with water before turning on.

The Fish-Filter Ratio

Maintaining a clean healthy tank involve in both the size of the tank and the filtration system. The filter system may be unable to keep the water fresh, healthy, and clean because of the overstocked tank. If there is overcrowding, your tank will become dirty. Also, it can cause loss of fish over time.

Regular Filter Changes

It’s important to pay attention to a regular schedule of changing the replaceable filters in your filtration system. If you have the replaceable filter, you need to change it at least once a month.

This depends on the type of filter, the size of the tank, as well as the number of fish. And, if you have large tanks, you needn’t change them as often. The thing you need to do is maintaining the right balance in the tank.

In order to make sure the chemical levels are adequate, you need to test the water using a test kit in the water. You may have to take six weeks or more to set up a healthy and maintained tank. But, once you intend to set up, it’s easy to maintain the tank with regular filter changes, the right feeding of the fish, as well as tank cleaning.

It’s easy to use freshwater aquarium filters. Also, they can help to keep your tank healthy as well as clean for you to enjoy for years..

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