| Like all animal habitats, fish tanks and aquariums | | | | among biological filters. These work by pulling |
| must be at a certain condition in able to provide a | | | | water down to the gravel at the bottom surface |
| healthy environment for its dwellers. In order to | | | | and bringing it back up (cleaned and filtered) |
| do this, hobbyists must keep the water in the | | | | through uplift tubes. |
| tank clean and make sure no harmful elements | | | | · Canister Filters have baskets or |
| contaminate the water. | | | | containers for various filtering media. You could |
| The process of filtration and the use of filters in a | | | | use media such as bio balls to fill in the canister |
| freshwater aquarium is part of its setup and must | | | | and filter water. However, once bacteria have built |
| be given consideration during the purchase of | | | | up, you will need to clean or remove these. |
| materials. Before you spend your money on filters | | | | Some Mechanical Water Filters you may find in |
| for your fish tank, be sure to know what you | | | | the market are the following: |
| should be buying and what's the best value for | | | | · Power Filters and Canister Filters clean |
| your money. | | | | water by forcing it through pleated cartridges or |
| Freshwater aquaria have three main types of | | | | some sort of floss. Some canister filters provide |
| filters: Biological, mechanical and chemical. Biological | | | | one container or basket which allows you to |
| filters are the most effective in reducing toxic | | | | insert a filtration media of your choice. Others |
| wastes. Mechanical filters are good in keeping the | | | | have several containers which allow you to |
| water free from dirt and debris. Chemical filters, | | | | combine biological, mechanical and chemical filters |
| meanwhile, work well in eliminating dissolved dirt in | | | | of your choice. |
| the water. These filters get rid of dirt that cannot | | | | · Diatomaceous Earth Filters polish water |
| be removed by mechanical filters and help | | | | by eliminating debris as small as 3 microns in size. |
| prevent the water from turning yellow over time. | | | | These are often available in canister filters and |
| Here are Biological Filters you may consider | | | | work mechanically. Unfortunately, these things clog |
| getting for your aquarium: | | | | after a short period of time so I don't |
| · Sponge Filters allow water to pass | | | | recommend using them continuously. |
| through a highly porous sponge where bacteria | | | | The following is a list of Chemical Filters you may |
| are allowed to grow. The sponge may not be | | | | find useful in setting up your tank: |
| cleaned or dried since this will kill the bacteria that | | | | · Activated Carbon is a common choice |
| works as filter. Sponge filters work in a partly | | | | of filter used in canisters and power filters. It has |
| mechanical way since the sponge traps dirt and | | | | minute pores which trap a great amount of |
| debris. | | | | substances, cleaning the water and making it safe |
| · Undergravel Filters are the most popular | | | | for organisms to live in. |