| When fish live in the wild, they are exposed to | | | | filtration system, the chemical filtration system |
| the same toxins they are when they live in | | | | works to keep harmful chemicals from injuring |
| aquariums. The difference is that fish in the wild | | | | your fish. If you overcrowd your aquarium during |
| experience natural cycles that keep their rivers | | | | the cycling phase, you can use zeolites to destroy |
| and ponds clean. Unfortunately, a fish does not | | | | excessive ammonia levels if they are threatening |
| come with this natural cycle nor are they capable | | | | the well being of your fish. |
| of producing such a cycle. Instead, you as the | | | | Although it might need frequent replacements, |
| caregiver must provide this cycle for your fish | | | | activated carbon can also be helpful to your tank. |
| inside of your aquarium. There are many different | | | | Activated carbon works by soaking up chemicals |
| types of freshwater aquarium filters and each | | | | and minerals that are in your water. The added |
| one has a unique role to play in keeping your | | | | benefit of using activated carbon is that it will |
| aquarium and fish healthy. | | | | make your water clarity improve. Clean water |
| Before you can choose the correct filter for your | | | | looks even clearer with activated carbon. |
| aquarium, you must understand there are three | | | | Mechanical filtration is a process similar to straining |
| basic kinds of filters-biological, chemical and | | | | the water. Mechanical filtration systems pull the |
| mechanical. | | | | water from the tank through a sponge, paper |
| The biological filtration is by far the most | | | | filter, or 'filter floss'. The water flows through the |
| significant filtration system your aquarium will rely | | | | filter easily while the particles including waste and |
| on. If you are familiar with the nitrogen cycle, | | | | uneaten food do not. Any particles that would |
| then you are aware of the good bacteria, | | | | pollute your aquarium are now trapped within this |
| nitrobacter, which serves to destroy the harmful | | | | filter. Even while trapped, the particles can still |
| chemicals like ammonia and nitrites in your | | | | decay and pollute your system so regular filter |
| aquarium. | | | | maintenance is important. How often you need to |
| If you do not have enough nitrobacter in your | | | | perform maintenance depends on several factors |
| tank, your fish will be exposed to harmful levels | | | | including how dirty your tank is, how often you |
| of ammonia and nitrite. Fortunately, this is where | | | | feed your fish and how many fish live in the |
| biological filters enter the aquarium. You need a | | | | aquarium. |
| biological filtration system in place to prevent | | | | You will need all three of these types of filters or |
| potential disease and death in your fish. | | | | one filter that does the job of all three to keep |
| Chemical filtration plays another vital role in | | | | your aquarium and its inhabitants healthy and |
| keeping your tank healthy. Just like the biological | | | | happy. |