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A filter, along with a heater, is in all probability the most important portion of any fish tank set up. Without it the water in your fish tank will become much like a stagnant pond and little will be competent to live in it except for a nice film of green algae scum. There are two main types of fish tank filters; external and internal. Both of these types of filters may be employed in either fresh water or salt water aquariums. When it comes to internal filters there are two basic types. The initial is the underneath gravel filter seen principally in fresh water tanks. This comprises of a raised plastic grate that sits on the bottom of the tank. The gravel or base material is placed over the top and clear vertical tubes attach to holes in the filter. These tubes have either a power head sitting on top or a bubbler inserted into them. The water is forced to flow through the gravel and back up the tube into the tank. The gravel itself is the filter, gathering the extra feed and fish waste that is pulled down into it. The second internal type filter is more along the lines of a sump tank just underneath the main tank and is applied mainly for salt water tanks. There is an internal tube that that allows water to flow down into the sump where it is pumped through a series of filters that catch all the waste and bad bacteria. The filtered water is then pumped back to the top of the main tank keeping a continuous flow going. This is a good filter choice but it is on the costly side and does manufacture rather a bit of background noise. An external filter is the best choice for any fish tank, if you may afford to use it. All the filtering is done outside the tank, keeping the filtered water distinguished from the unfiltered water until it is returned to the tank. A couple of long hoses connect the filter to the tank, one that furnishes the filter and the other that returns the filtered water to the tank. This type of filter is the most effective but also the most expensive. You may buy any of these types of filters at your local fish shop, but may have a harder time finding the more highpriced external type at a frequent pet store. The sump type filter will require a tank that is either modified or habit made. If you are going to spend the extra cash on this type of set up it makes better sense to spend the cash on a good quality external filter instead. An external fish tank filter will cost more up front but in the long run you will save on maintenance costs and fish costs because you will be supplying the best habitat they need to live long and healthful lives. |
