CavySanctuary

FishMaster · Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:55 pm Do I need a filter

Believe it or not I've heard this question. Yes you do. What kind is completely up to you. There are HOB's (Hang On Back), UGF (Under Gravel Filters) and Canister Filters.

Under Gravel Filters

The cheapest are the UGF's but these are not as efficient as the other two. Water is pulled through the substrate and filtered through the plates of the UGF. A very large bacterial colony breaks down the waste that makes it through the substrate. The biggest problem with them is the lack of proper filtration. Nothing is actually removed from the water. Waste is simply broken down and re-introduced to the tank. Using a Power Head capable of Reverse Flow (PUSHES water through the substrate and plates rather than pulling) keeps larger particles suspended in the water allowing another filter (HOB or canister) to pick them up. UGF's are not recommended for aquarium use much anymore. There are better ways these days to filter your aqauarium.

HOB Filters

These are cheaper than canister filters and can be just as good. They can readily use the same types of media available for canister filters as well. Ammonia packs (remove ammonia), charcoal packs (remove chlorine and other water impurities), sponges (depending on the type pick up varying sizes of suspended particles) are available. The higher the Gallons per Hour (the amount of water moving through the filter) the better. The suggestion for HOB's is 10 TIMES the volume of your aquarium. Example: 10 gallon aquarium would require a MINIMUM of 100 gallons per hour of filtration. This also depends on the bioload as well. If your tank is under stocked (not as many fish as you can have) you would require less filtration. On the other hand if your tank is over stocked (more fish than your aquarium can have) you'd need more filtration. Being under stocked with extra filtration is the best way to go. That way you still have a filter capable of handling a larger bioload and your water will require less maintenance.

Canister Filters

These are just as popular as HOB's. They are more efficient though. HOB's require 10 times the filtration. Canister filters only require 5 TIMES. This is due to the larger area for media. Generally they can hold twice as much media as HOB's. They are more expensive however.

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Canister filters allow the output flow to be directed back into the tank. They have an adjustable output usually in a 360 degree circle. This is a nice feature since some fish prefer a strong current. For fish who don't the output can be aimed at the glass or along the back of the tank. The filter itself can also be turned down via the flow regulator on it. Some canister filters also have a extra attachment called a spray bar. The spray bar is attached where the out put is and then placed along the back of the tank. The bar has holes drilled into it allowing the water to be distributed with less current than the regular output head. It's good for fish who don't like a current or for heavily planted tanks. HOB's don't have these features. They do have flow regulators, but the water is taken in and dumped back into the tank.
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Do I really need to have Ammo Packs, Charcoal or Sponges in my filter? No you don't. Ammo packs only remove ammonia and are good for a finite time only. Usually only 3-5 weeks depending on the bioload. Charcoal lasts about 4 weeks. Sponges have an idefinite lifetime. These can be used until they fall apart. Literally. The most important parts of the filter are the sponge and something porous for bacteria to live in. Most people use sponges (specifically designed for aquariums), ceramic rings or bio balls (for bacteria) and some type of Hypo-Allergenic fibre floss. When cleaning the filter always rinse everything with water taken directly from the tank. All parts of the filter have beneficial bacteria and rinsing them with aqaurium water will ensure their survival. If you don't rinse your filter parts this way the bacteria will die and your aquarium will re-cycle. If you're using fibre floss you can just toss it away. There will still be enough bacteria to re-colonize the new stuff. When using fibre floss use only a small amount. If you use too much it will clog easily and the filter won't be able to work properly.

antipodi · Mon Feb 06, 2006 2:49 pm

A very important part of an aquarium keepers things like us Fish do need fresh air ( or should I say oxygen) ..great article

Antipodi