Choosing the Right Filter for Your Aquarium
Understanding the Differences Between Aquarium Filters
There are three main types of filters that a home aquarium can come with. Each filter has advantages and disadvantages, and depending on the size tank, and what you are looking for regarding maintenance and cost, you will find what you need in this list.
Under Gravel Filter
An under gravel filter has plates between the gravel and the bottom of the aquarium. Riser tubes that are attached to this plate pull water from under the plates to the surface using an air pump and bubble stones. This action pulls water through the gravel and uses the gravel as a filter.
This type of filter is typically found on smaller tanks. It is quickly losing popularity though because of newer technology. The advantages of this type of filter are that it is easy to set up, requires minimal replacement parts and is a great bio filter. The disadvantages are that the gravel must be regularly vacuumed to ensure uniform water flow, and digging fish can create a thin spot in the gravel and thus reduce the filter’s effectiveness. This type of filter also should not be used with live plants.
Power Filter
Power filter are those that hang on the back of the tank. This is probably the most common filter today. It hangs on the back of the tank and has a tube that drops into the water. This tube is used to pull water into the filter, through the filter media, and return to the tank.
The advantages of power filters include the fact that they are easy to use, they provide a lot of flow, they can easily be over-sized to provide a lot of filtration, and they provide good aeration for oxygenation in the tank. They are good for any size tank and can be used in combination with other methods of filtration. The disadvantages are that they typically have limited media options, the flow may not be adjustable, they can be damaged by sand, the filter media can get pricey to replace as recommended by manufacturers, and they can be noisy.
Canister Filters
Canister filters are exactly what they sound like, a canister filled with filter media. They sit on the floor or under the stand and have tubing that runs to the aquarium. The advantages of a canister filter are that it provides lower flow for fish that do not like a lot of water movement, the water return can be submerged or converted to a spray bar to prevent degassing of CO2 in planted tanks, and the filter media can be exchanged and customized easily. They typically require less regular maintenance than power filters, are quiet and are an excellent choice for larger fish tanks.
The disadvantages of a canister filter are that it takes longer to clean, can sometimes be difficult to prime or get started, and they have seals that can leak, causing a mess to clean up. They run at a lower flow rate than power filters but are also typically quieter.
There are other types of filters available, but usually an under gravel filter, power filter or canister filter will suit the needs of the typical home aquarium setup. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of filter will aid your success in setting up and maintaining a home aquarium.
You may also be interested in why fish get sick in an aquarium, and how to choose appropriate substrate for your aquarium.
150 Gallon Aquarium with Power Filters
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