Bộ lọc vây đầu 55 gallon năm 2022

• Why does the tank need a filter? 
• Different types of filters
• Types of Filters
• Important components inside the filter
• Which filter is best for your tank?
• Filter maintenance

Why does the tank need a filter? 

The filter essentially acts as the "heart" of the tank by keeping the water flowing so it doesn't stagnate. Stagnant water creates dead space for ammonia to build up which can be harmful to your plants, fish and shrimp. There is no water flow that limits the amount of oxygen that flows through the tank. If you decide to have a small tank without a filter or an air rock, then you must change the water regularly and make sure to limit the number of animals you have in the tank.

Moving water plays an important role in the exchange of gases and nutrients in the tank to provide your aquarium inhabitants with the necessities for a healthy life. A properly functioning filter will also help clean and help keep the water column crystal clear, providing the best viewing quality for your tank. 

You are watching: A Beginner's Guide to Aquarium Filters

As mentioned in our previous blog on the nitrogen cycle HERE, The filter is the main area where beneficial bacteria live . Keeping the beneficial bacteria alive is crucial for your planted aquarium and its inhabitants to thrive. This makes the filter an important and valuable piece of equipment for the aquarist.

Different types of filters

There are several types of filters, but the most common one that we will discuss is sponge filter , filter hanging on the back and box filter . Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that we will explore together. 

Sponge filter

One sponge filter included material is like sponges placed in the tank . The air pump is located outside the tank. The suction of the filter, provided by the air pump, pulls debris or debris that exists in the aquarium through the sponge.

The sponge filter is the simplest type of filter on the market. 

Many people will stay away from sponge filters as having a sponge in the tank can be an unpleasant sight. Although, it is a popular filter among advanced hobbyists.

This type of filter is great for smaller aquariums and bellows feed . They will create minimal water agitation causing little disturbance to your fish friends. In larger tanks, a sponge filter may not provide enough water movement to circulate the entire tank. 

Han g-on-Back Filters

The hanging filter, or HOB filter, is the most common type of filter used by hobbyists. As the name suggests, HOB filter will hang on the edge of the tank (usually the back side). This simple external filter pulls water from the tank through a pump, passes it through different sections of the filter media, and then is returned to the tank through a hose. 

HOB filter easy to clean and Can be used for any tank size . This is perfect filter for beginners, but also popular with experienced aquarists  because of the ability low maintenance .

• Tip:  Run two HOB filters for larger tanks!

Box filter

Tube filter cage is one kind of filter sporadic but strongest . Also powered by a pump, This device is usually placed hidden underneath the tank inside the aquarium stand. The only parts that will be seen are the return and outlet pipes, which can be swapped out from plastic to glass or steel pipes. to be more discrete . 

The telescopic filter is best for large tanks (over 30 gallons) with many cattle need extra energy to maintain a healthy balance. They are more expensive and are considered higher maintenance than HOB filters and sponge filters.

Types of Filters

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We will go through filter types to help you understand the different components of a filtration system and the importance of having one in your tank.

Mechanical filter

This refers to the removal of solid waste such as debris such as fish droppings, fish food or rotting plant material. This type of filter media works by catching waste as water flows through. Mechanical filtration helps to clean the tank and aerate the water.

Biofilter

This type of filtration specifically removes biological waste such as excess ammonia. The nitrifying bacteria established in the filter convert the ammonia to less harmful nitrate, then nitrite. Biological filtration is extremely important in maintaining a balanced tank. Without it, the ammonia in the aquarium will rise to dangerous levels that are harmful to fish, shrimp and plants. 

Chemical filter

Chemical filtration is the process of removing dissolved wastes such as decaying organic matter or chemicals present in water. The carbon will capture dissolved wastes or chemicals and prevent discoloration and odors of the tank water.

Important components inside the filter

Not only do filters come in a multitude of different brands, shapes, and sizes, but filter internals can also be very extensive. We will go through the main parts of the filter including the filter material, filter media, and activated carbon. 

Filter Floss

Filter cotton is a filter material usually made up of polyester fibers densely packed into a sheet. As water flows through the compression plate, it purifies the water by catching small particles before returning to the storage tank. This filter media acts as a mechanical filter in the pool.

Filter sponge

The filter sponge is a filter material made up of a coarse pad that will be placed in front of the filter cotton. The sponge will help catch larger particles that help prevent clogging. Like filter cotton, this filter media acts as mechanical filter in the pool.

Media Ring / Bio Ball

The filter media is porous with a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive. This biological environment is the perfect place for beneficial bacteria to grow and maintain a balanced nitrogen cycle. Ceramic rings like the Aquario Neo Media pictured below, or bio-balls like the Seachem Matrix, are all examples of filter media that can be used as media. biological filter in the pool.

Activated carbon

Read more: Choosing the Right Choice Between Acrylic and Glass Pools

Activated carbon (optional) can be placed in the filter to remove chemicals and other contaminants from the tank's water column. The pores on activated charcoal will eventually become clogged due to the chemicals it removes, so you must change the activated charcoal regularly (about once a month should suffice).

Suggestions: Remember that fertilizers and medications will also be filtered out with activated carbon. Remove activated charcoal before taking the medication.

Activated carbon is considered chemical filter of the tank.

Activated carbon is usually packaged in a padded cartridge such as the Delta 60 Activated Charcoal Cartridge.

Which filter is best for your tank?

There are several factors to consider before purchasing a filter.

First, who will see the tank? Will the tank be a display tank or a breeding tank? For a display tank, a HOB or a box filter would be the best choice as they won't steal attention from your beautiful aquarium layout. On the other hand, a simple sponge filter will work well for the aquarium/aquarium. 

Flow rate is another factor to keep in mind. Flow rate is measured in gallons per hour, or GPH , which is measured as the amount of water that will run through the filter in one hour. We recommend that the filter have a GPH at least 4-6 times the tank volume . 

For example, a 20 gallon tank should have a filter with 80-120 GPH. 

Having the correct GPH will provide the tank with as many filters as possible while also avoiding excessive current flow. Remember that larger aquariums will require a larger filter or two smaller filters to keep the water circulating adequately.

Filter maintenance

Many people will feel uncomfortable with the maintenance, but it is very important that you maintain the tank and filter regularly . 

When to clean the filter will depend on the population of the tank, the size of the filter and the amount of dirt in the water. We recommend regular and consistent filter maintenance. Members, even though the waste has been filtered out of the water, it is still in the filtration system! The waste in the filter will be out of sight, but never mind. 

Mechanical filter material (filter cotton and filter sponge) can be changed or simply rinsed in the sink.
Chemical filter media (activated carbon) will need to be replaced about once a month or every 4-6 weeks. 

Biological filter media DO NOT rinse in the sink or change because beneficial bacteria are living in the environment. The chlorine in your tap water kills the beneficial bacteria! (This sucks!) If the beneficial bacteria are killed, the tank can become damaged and out of balance because the nitrogen cycle has been disrupted. Instead, please rinse the bio media with the water in your tank . 

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See more: Ways to Add CO2 to the Aquarium