
What is the best filter system for a fish tank?
- 3-stage filtration with a separate compartment for the biological stage
- High-capacity, adjustable flow rate of up to to 300 GPH is suitable for delicate species
- An ideal filtration system for planted and fish-only tanks
How do you clean a fish tank filter?
- Unplug the heater and filter, and if you are using one, the air plug.
- If you have any artificial plants or decorations, remove these too.
- Start by cleaning the inside of the glass. ...
- Use a gravel siphon to remove around 25% of the water, putting it into a bucket for later disposal. ...
Do bettas need a filter?
Yes, betta fish will need a filter in the aquarium. While a betta fish can live in pretty much any fish tank, the best home for them would be a fish tank with a filter. This is important for a betta fish because it helps keep the water clean. What Do Aquarium Filters Do? A filter is a device that removes pollutants from the water in your fish tank.
What are the best aquarium filters?
- Best Underwater: Fluval Underwater Filter
- Best for Turtle Tank: Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter
- Best Budget: Aqueon QuietFlow E Small Internal Filter
- Best Canister: MarineLand Magnum Canister Filter
- Best Silent: Penn-Plax Cascade 600 Submersible Aquarium Filter
- Best for Large Aquariums: Tetra Whisper Internal Filter

How do I get my fish tank filter to work?
1:132:36Why Is Your Filter Not Pumping Water? | Aquarium Care - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can take the canister filter. Open it up fill. It up with water get it primed again thatMoreSo you can take the canister filter. Open it up fill. It up with water get it primed again that should solve it otherwise you can take the filter.
Do fish actually need a filter?
All fish tanks MUST have biological filtration; biological filtration is the cheapest, most efficient and most stable way to breakdown toxic ammonia. Mechanical filtration traps such particles as plant leaves, uneaten food, etc., allowing them to be removed from the tank before they decompose into ammonia.
How should a filter be in a fish tank?
Internal filters usually sit in the corner of the tank, just below the water's surface. they usually use sponges to filter debris, and to cultivate bacteria for biological filtration. Water is drawn up through the bottom of the filter and through the sponge.
How do I know if my filter is working in my fish tank?
First, check that the filter is still working. Look for water bubbling out of the top of the pipes. If there are no bubbles, the filter may not be working. Therefore, repair or replace the filter.
Can fish survive overnight without a filter?
A fish live without a filter for a maximum of seven days and a minimum of three days. A filter helps clean the water over and over again, so the toxins in it don't settle down.
What kind of fish can live without a filter?
Best Fish For A Bowl Without FilterBetta fish (Use a heater)Guppies.White Cloud Minnows.Blind Cave Tetras.Salt and Pepper Corydoras.Zebra Danios.Ember Tetra.Pea Pufferfish.More items...•
Should fish tank filter be fully submerged?
Internal filters must be fully submerged to work correctly. They work best near the substrate, though if the air pump is separate, it is usually situated somewhere outside the fish tank. For this reason, most sponge filters come with suction cups to help hold the unit in the desired corner of your aquarium.
How often do you clean a fish tank with a filter?
You should also clean your filter cartridges once a month. Every 6 months: Twice per year you should complete a deep clean of your tank and all associated equipment. This means unplugging everything and checking it all out to make sure it is in good condition, including filters, pumps, lights and more.
Should fish tank filter make bubbles?
It is normal for aquarium filters to form some bubbles. However, if your filter is producing more bubbles than it usually does, then it is a cause for concern.
Can you over filter an aquarium?
You can't really over-filter an aquarium, but it's fairly easy to under-filter one. Most aquarium filters are rated according to how many gallons the aquarium holds.
How long should a fish tank filter last?
Chemical Filters – these should typically be changed once a month or at least once every two months. When the water starts becoming cloudy, you should replace the carbon. Biological Filters – if this filter starts malfunctioning, getting clogged, or isn't working slowly then it is time to give it a good rinse.
Why does my fish tank filter get dirty so fast?
If your tank is too small, the fish will be stressed and the tank will get dirty much faster. Your tank should not be overly large, however, or the fish will be uncomfortable and it will be much more space to keep clean.
How long can fish survive without filter pump?
A bunch of different factors determine the oxygen levels in water. A short answer is something like this: Fish can survive about two days without an air pump in completely still water. However, with the right kind of filter producing lots of surface water movement, an air stone may not be required at all.
Can you have an aquarium without a filter?
A rising trend in the aquarium hobby, however, is focused on tanks that do not require any kind of filter system. A healthy and thriving unfiltered tank is possible to achieve, but it will take some forethought and planning.
What fish can survive without air pump?
7 fish that can live without air pumpGourami.Spined Loach.Kuhli Loach.Guppies.Paradise fish.Betta fish.Catfish.
How do you keep a fish tank clean without a filter?
0:592:30How to filter an aquarium without a filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo plants is one way of filtering an unfiltered tank. And putting a marine fuel cube or marine pureMoreSo plants is one way of filtering an unfiltered tank. And putting a marine fuel cube or marine pure ball into an aquarium is another way of filtering.
Why is a filter important in an aquarium?
Your filter is one of the most important parts of your aquarium as it helps catch debris, clears toxins from the water and provides a great place for the beneficial bacteria to grow and prosper.
Why do aquariums need filters?
The short answer: The filters primary purpose is to create the ideal space and conditions for nitrifying bacteria to grow. This nitrifying bacteria helps remove harmful toxins from your water that are a result of decaying organic matter and fish waste. Your filters mechanical media then helps remove any excess food & free-floating particulates from your aquarium keeping the water clean.
Why do we Need Bacteria to Grow in Our Filters?
Beneficial bacteria feed on the waste from your fish and transform it into less toxic substances which helps keep your aquarium water clean and healthy for your fish .
How do I Get Beneficial Bacteria to Grow in my Filter?
Very easily, you can use additive products specifically designed to help keep your aquarium bacteria levels up
Why is carbon in aquarium filters important?
Additionally, the carbon in your filter helps remove coloration, smells and other toxins that may be present at the bacteria simply won’t touch effectively creating a trifecta of aquarium
How to get rid of nitrates in water?
Nitrates are bad, but in small concentrations, they are pretty harmless and you can get rid of nitrates easily by doing a water change or by keeping live plants which will use the nitrates as part of the photosynthesis process.
How does an Aquarium Filter Work?
While most people who own fish know how important filtration is, the actual mechanics of how aquarium filters work may be unclear.
Why is a fish tank filtration system important?
An efficient aquarium filter will help maintain good water quality in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. They can help tremendously in maintaining water parameters in between regular water changes.
How often should I clean my aquarium filter?
Aquarium filters should be cleaned every month, or as needed. If you have fish producing lots of waste, you may need to clean it more often. On the other hand, if there is only a few small fish in the tank, there may be no need to clean it. The important thing is to check the filter regularly to make sure that it is functioning properly. If the filter media becomes too clogged, it will become inefficient. Debris will be captured by the filter floss and other mechanical filtration media first, but once it’s clogged, it will hinder its biological and chemical filtration capabilities. Simply rinse the filter in old tank water. Avoid rinsing in tap water since the chlorine can kill the beneficial bacteria on the filter.
How does an internal power filter work?
Internal power filters are designed to be installed inside the aquarium. These power filters work in the same manner as a hang-on-back filters , which are considered external power filters. However, one the difference is that internal power filters are installed inside the tank and there is no lift tube. The intake pulls the water directly into the filter chamber. Once the water passes through the filter, it water is pushed out of the output, just like a hang-on-back filter. Both internal power filters and hang-on-back filters work great. Since there is very little difference in functionality, it is a matter of preference for the most part. Some people prefer to maximize the tank capacity with a hang-on-back external power filter. Others prefer to contain the components with an internal power filter. Once functional difference between the two filters is that some internal power filters allows you to install the filter at a lower part of the tank. Instead of hanging the internal filter on the edge of the tank with a hook, you can install the filter on the glass wall with a suction cup. This can be a useful function if you wish to keep the water level in your aquarium shallow. You may wish to keep the water level low for some fish and other pets such as turtles, frogs, and crabs.
Why does my aquarium make a grinding noise?
If there is a dirt or a clog in your aquarium filter, it could be making a grinding noise. If a clog is suspected, turn off the filter and remove the debris that is stuck.
Why is filtration important in aquariums?
The filtration system in an aquarium is not only responsible for keeping the water clear. In fact, they are responsible for creating the necessary water flow as well , which helps deliver oxygen throughout the tank . The oxygen is important for the fish and the beneficial bacteria in the tank.
What is mechanical filtration in aquariums?
A mechanical filtration in an aquarium is achieved by passing water through a material, such as foam or polyester floss, which effectively blocks the passage of solid materials. These solid particles includes uneaten food, fish waste, and decaying plant material.
What happens if you don't have a filter in your aquarium?
Without a filter, aquarium water will retain dirt, chemicals, and other particles that are harmful to the fish in your tank. If you’re in the market for canister filters, but you’re unsure how they work, our blog will explore everything you need to know to get started. Table of Contents [ show]
What is a chemical filter?
Chemical. Chemical filter media uses carbon to remove harmful chemicals from your tank water. If you’re using carbon as a chemical media, it’s critical to change it regularly. If the carbon filters are saturated, it might pump harmful toxins back into your tank’s water supply.
What is a Canister Filter?
A canister filter is a popular filtration device that is suitable for various types of aquariums.
What dictates the amount of aquarium water that it can clean?
The flow rate of your canister filter dictates the amount of aquarium water that it can clean.
Why is a canister filter called a canister filter?
A canister filter is named so because it is shaped like a canister and receives water from an intake pipe.
What is the most important part of a canister filter?
One of the most important components of a canister filter is the filter media used to clean the water.
What is the purpose of a spray bar in an aquarium?
The benefit of a spray bar is that it can increase the circulation in your aquarium significantly. Assess the flow rate of a canister before you make a purchase.
What Is an Undergravel Filter and How It Works
According to an article by the BBC Trusted Source Aquariums 'deliver significant health benefits' People who spend time in aquariums could improve their physical and mental wellbeing, a study has suggested. www.bbc.com , watching fish swim in aquarium tanks has both mental and physical benefits.
Pros and Cons of Undergravel Filters
Based on an article by the Telegraph Trusted Source A beginner's guide to filling your first fish tank Follow Pets at Home’s easy fish points guide to match species to your first fish tank and ensure a happy and healthy aquarium.
How Do You Install an Undergravel Filter?
Installing an undergravel filter is fairly simple, but you have to follow this step-by-step guide for maximum efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Undergravel filters are a great purchase. They’re easy to install, low maintenance, and reduce the accumulation of toxic particles for the fish’s fecal matter or food. They are also highly effective and can be used with various accessories to enhance their efficiency.
