There are many types of aquarium filters on the market today. Each one has a designated design for one’s preference. There are some basics that we need to learn about first such as the size of the aquarium versus the filter size and type along with the three types of filtration that occur in an aquarium. The three types are mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Now that you know the three types of filtration in an aquatic ecosystem, let’s take a look at the different types of aquarium filters. ContentsAquarium Filter TypesSponge/Air Driven FilterRecommended - Sponge FilterHang On Back/Power FiltersRecommended - HOB Power FilterCanister FiltersRecommended - Canister FilterUndergravel FiltersRecommended - Undergravel FilterInternal FiltersRecommended - Internal FilterWet/Dry or Trickle FiltersRecommended - Wet/Dry FilterFluidized Bed FiltersRecommended - Fluidized Bed FilterConclusion The most basic setup filters that do not do much in the way of mechanical, chemical or biological filtration is the Sponge/air filter.

These are made mostly for breeding, fry (baby fish) nursery tanks, hospital tanks and aquariums with small fish or invertebrates. A sponge filter is powered by an air pump where water is forced to pull through the sponge-like material. The sponge is capable of producing biological and mechanical filtration because beneficial bacteria live on the sponge. You then use aquarium water to clean the sponge to be careful not to kill the beneficial bacteria. These can vary in price from $5.00 to $40.00. XINYOU XY-2835 Fish Aquarium Mini Cylinder Soft Sponge Water Filter, Black The most common style filters for hobbyists are the hang on back style filter. The reason they are common is because they provide excellent mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. They hang over the back (or side) of your aquarium and suck water up through their siphon tube. The mechanical filtration comes from water passing through a filter pad or floss, next chemical filtration occurs from water flowing through carbon which removes toxins or chemicals from the water.

Lastly biological filtration happens inside the filter cartridge. A large number of beneficial bacteria form within the filter cartridge and this is what causes the biological filtration and is limited to the amount of oxygen within the aquarium.steam carpet cleaning uk Most new systems have biowheels or biological filter pads. pool cage screen cleanerBiowheels are wheels that have a biological filter on them and water passes over them creating a great biological filter.automatic pool cleaner electric These can vary in price from $10.00 to $150.00. AquaClear 20 Power Filter - 110 V, UL Listed (Includes AquaClear 20 Carbon, AquaClear 20 Foam & AquaClear 20 BioMax) Canister filters are among the popular styles of filters used by hobbyists.

These are especially great for aquariums 40 gallons or larger. Canister filters provide excellent mechanical, chemical and biological filtration due to their size which is significantly larger than most hang on back filters. These have a siphon tube and flexible pipe work going to the filter and then a pipe back up and into the tank with a return “water bar” that spreads the water outflow through a long bar. Canister filters are great for cichlid, saltwater or planted aquariums. Canister filters are pressurized which makes mechanical filtration even better by forcing the water through fine material that can trap smaller particles. Chemical filtration is done the same way and thus makes it a better chemical filter. The biological filtration is based on oxygen present in the water going through it. Since there is no air to water contact, biological filtration is not as sufficient in these types of filters. These filters can range in price from $90.00 to $500.00.

Cascade CCF3UL Canister Filter, 100 Gallon, 265gph The filters are placed under the gravel and pull the water through the gravel/substrate and up tubes called uplift tubes. There are two ways you can get water to come up these tubes. That is by an airstone and air pump or a power head that fits onto the top of the uplift tubes and pumps the water across the top of the aquarium. Mechanical filtration occurs as water passes through the gravel but the downside is that biological filtration is limited from the water passing through the substrate. Unfortunately chemical filtration does not happen with an under gravel filter. Also make sure you agitate your substrate and clean it or there will be detritus buildups and this will cause high levels of hydrogen sulfide. These range in price from $8.00 to $60.00. Penn Plax 40/55 Gallon Aquarium Premium Under Tank Filter Internal filters are compact which make them great for small and nano aquariums. Most people use these in aquariums under 20 gallons as they use suction cups and stick to the side of the aquarium glass.

Most hobbyists place these at the bottom of their aquarium so dirt has no time to settle before getting sucked up into the filter. Some internal filters also require an air pump and airline connected to it to produce the water movement up through the filter. The air bubbles then dissipate to the top of the surface making good mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. The price of this style filter ranges from $8.00 to $30.00. Penn Plax Cascade 600 Internal Filter for Aquariums Wet/Dry filters are not as common as the previous filters we have discussed but quite a few hobbyists use them especially in the saltwater side of the hobby. These excel in the biological part of filtration due to part of the filter media is exposed to aquarium water and a significant amount to air. Being exposed to both air and water creates a large colony of beneficial bacteria to grow and process waste products. Setting up this system requires a lot of work including getting plumbed directly to you aquarium with a sump or reservoir to hold auxiliary water and water to run the pump.

Chemical filtration occurs from placing chemical media in the filter and the water flows through it. Mechanical filtration is limited as water has to pass through large-pored sponges so the water flow is not restricted like other forms of mechanical filtration. Wet/Dry filters can cost between $50.00 to $300.00 whether you purchase one or make one from scratch. A fluidized bed filter is similar to a sand pool filter in the way it works. The unit hangs on the back of your aquarium and water is pumped into it. The water is then pushed up and through a mass of granules such as sand, plastic or silica chips. You will need to purchase a separate pump in order to pump the water into the filter as most do not come with pumps. Beneficial bacteria grows on the surface of the suspended particles thus providing great biological filtration. While chemical filtration is not good with this type of setup, mechanical filtration is moderate as the suspended particles trap most of the particulate matter.