Ways to Keep Your Aquarium Water Sparkling and the Fish in Good Health

     Your aquarium filter performs a crucial function in sustaining the overall well being of the aquarium. The principle purpose of every aquarium filter system is the following.

It promotes the nitrogen cycle by giving a medium to get a development of bacteria.It purges waste matter and dirt from the water.It aerates the aquarium's water. Through this process much needed oxygen is added to the water and CO2 is taken away.

There are actually three forms of filtration and whatever aquarium filter style you choose it has to include the 3. There is mechanical filtration which specifically removes solid wastes suspended within the water as a result of passing it over material which screens small contaminants out. This filter medium eventually becomes coated with beneficial bacteria. This will let it produce biological filtration at the same time.

The aim of biological filtration is to transform harmful ammonia into nitrates and next nitrites. This process is referred to as detoxification. Last but not least, chemical filtration is really what helps maintain your aquarium water clean and bright. Chemicals as well as dissolved minerals are absorbed as the water passes over filter mediums such as activated charcoal.

Widely used mechanical filters are available in three typical choices. A good canister filter delivers chemical, biological, as well as mechanical filtration and is popular among hobbyists. These are capable of turning over several hundred gallons of water hourly. Because of this they are often suited for larger aquarium systems.

Power filters are also able to serve as mechanical, biological and chemical filters. They run on electricity and usually hang on the outside of the aquarium tank. They are available in various sizes so that they can handle different capacity tanks.

You might also want to think about corner filters. They're submersible filter systems which perform mostly as mechanical filters. These kinds of filter systems have been available quite a long time and have progressed a great deal over the years. They're still very popular among aquarium aficionados.

A good aquarium filter can cycle the aquariums water entirely a minimum of 8 times each hour. Virtually all really good mechanical filters are rated by the number of gallons of water that pass through them each hour. Check the filter package. It should be marked with the GPH rating. This may also show the size tank the filter was designed for.

If you have an aquarium greater than ten gallons, you may need to have two aquarium filters. You might want more than one filter even if one will take care of your entire aquarium's requirements. It's always good to keep a back up filter in case one breaks down. It's possible to mix and match the filters in whatever way you want. You might have 2 power filters or one canister and the other a corner filter. It won't matter.

Here's one other consideration on aquarium filter choice. Filters which allow you to change out one element without the need to get rid of everything and lose the entire bacteria colony absolutely are a significantly better choice. Virtually all good filters will tell you what parts you should change and when to change them. This will protect the bacteria build-up which helps maintain your water as well as your fish in good health.

Mark Hendrin is a writer who specializes in aquariums and tropical fish. You can check out his latest website at Aquarium Systems, where he discusses aquarium plants, selecting an aquarium filter, and much more.

Mark Hendrin is a writer who specializes in aquariums and tropical fish. You can check out his latest website at http://aquariumsystems.org, where he discusses aquarium plants, selecting an aquarium filter, aquarium lighting and much more