Each owner of the aquarium is interested in the fact that his device works stably and efficiently, and the fish live for a long time. Good water filtration plays an important role in achieving these goals. What is the best filter for an aquarium and what rules to consider when choosing it? Let's try to figure it out.
Types and Applications
The choice of filter should be made taking into account who lives in the aquarium, what plants are in it and how many of them. If the aquarium is large, there are a lot of plants and living creatures in it, then the filter must be powerful, effectively remove all contaminants from the water. To date, there are several types of water filtration in the aquarium:
- mechanical;
- chemical;
- biological;
- combined.
Which is the best aquarium filter? Consider the main features of each filtration system.
Mechanical
These filters are considered the simplest, but also the most effective for maintenance of aquariums of different sizes. Outwardly, they resemble a simple glass, consisting of a pump (motor) and an absorbent sponge. The pump pumps water in the aquarium, it passesthrough a sponge, as a result of which it is cleaned. Such filtration is effective for removing large contaminants - uneaten food, fish excrement, and the remains of dead organisms. So if you are looking for the best filter for a small aquarium, give preference to mechanical models.
Chemical
Thanks to chemical filters, water is purified through absorbents, most often aquarium charcoal is used in this capacity. It is advisable to use ion-exchange resins, such as zeolite. Such filters are more efficient and practical due to the porosity of the absorbent materials, which absorb dirt particles well. Ion exchange resins do a good job of dealing with harmful poisons in the form of ammonia, nitrates and nitrites, which gradually accumulate in the aquarium.
Biological
The best and most reliable filtration for an aquarium is based on a biological filter. This method of water purification involves the presence of a special compartment in the filter itself, which is needed to breed beneficial bacteria. For their reproduction, a special substrate is used. Bacteria play an important role, as they saturate the water with useful substances and decompose harmful substances: ammonia, nitrites and nitrates - to a gaseous state. They are the most serious and dangerous enemy for aquarium inhabitants, leading to diseases and death of fish. If you are still in doubt about which filter to choose for an aquarium, evaluate the biological options.
Combined
These filters are convenientbecause they can purify water in different ways. Moreover, even the simplest mechanical model can be used as a combined one, for example, by combining an absorbent sponge with aquarium charcoal. So the conclusion can be drawn as follows. For a small aquarium, mechanical devices are the best option: cheap, but simple and easy to use.
If the aquarium is large, then you need to consult with a specialist who will help you decide which filter is best for an aquarium of 100 liters or more. Most often, it is recommended to use a biofilter, which, at a higher price and difficulty in cleaning, will be effective and durable. By the way, consider the throughput of the filter. The efficiency of his work depends on this. Depending on the location, aquarium filters are divided into internal, external or mounted. Consider the features of each variety in more detail.
Domestic
These varieties are mounted directly inside the aquarium and can have a variety of filtering mechanisms. These filters are the most popular, due to their affordable cost, ease of operation and cleaning. On the other hand, users note that they “eat up” the useful space of the aquarium, but for large devices this is not so critical. What is the best internal aquarium filter? Consider the most popular models:
- Aqua Szut Super Mini. This internal filter is suitable for aquariums in10-80 l, differs in high-quality clarification and aeration of water. Among the advantages of this filter, users note ease of maintenance, compact size, low noise level, the ability to position vertically or horizontally, a combination of mechanical and biological methods of water purification. The thoughtful aeration part of the design contributes to the saturation of water with oxygen.
- Aquael Turbo Filter Professional. This internal filter pumps, purifies and aerates the water in the aquarium. The difference from similar models is in the high-quality saturation of water with oxygen even at great depths.
- ASAP 500. Aquarium filters of this brand are characterized by high performance and functionality, as well as an original design that reduces maintenance time to a minimum. So if you are in doubt about which internal aquarium filter to choose and are looking for a really modern and cost-effective option, ASAP 500 is worthy of your attention. Its design is a combination of an energy-efficient motor with a high-quality filter sponge. The housing is easy to clean or replace, and is ideal for use in shallow water.
- ALEAS IPF-6200L. Even more efficient and perfect, but expensive filter model. An increased level of purification is provided by two cartridges, and the model performs three functions at once - it filters water, ensures its circulation and aeration. The biological filtration system is multi-level, and the filter material is voluminous. This cleans more of the internalaquarium surface that stays clean for much longer.
These models are considered one of the best and most productive and will be of interest to those who are looking for information about which filter for the aquarium is better to choose.
External filters
External filter mechanisms are mounted outside the aquarium, and only tubes are lowered inside it. About this variety, reviews are very different. Some say that due to the large volume of filter materials, maximum water purification is ensured, others note that a lot of space is required next to the aquarium to place the filter, which is also expensive. What is the best external filter for an aquarium?
Top Models
We offer an overview of popular models:
- Tetratec EX 400. This powerful filter is suitable for 10-80L aquariums and is easy to install and maintain. Thanks to the integrated automatic start system during installation and cleaning, the filter does not draw water. With power, the mechanism is quiet. It is completed with five filtering mechanisms that provides high-quality and effective water purification. These are universal filters for aquariums. Which is better for 50l? The manufacturer offers a number of models, among which you can find the best option.
- Eheim. The products of this brand are mainly represented by canister filters, which work reliably, stably and for a long time. The special design is protected from leakage, high-quality filters are used.materials, due to which the water is purified quickly and for a long time. One of the popular models is the Eheim Classic 2213, which comes with sponges and gaskets, tubes and double taps. For large aquariums, Eheim Professional 3 2073 is useful - its volume is enough for models of 180-350 liters. Advantage - the presence of a pre-filter, which increases the life of all fillers.
- Tetra. This brand offers to buy a high-quality and reliable external filter for the aquarium. Which is better? Manufacturers offer a wide range of models that will ensure the optimal balance of water in the aquarium.
Hinged filters - a kind of compromise between the models described above. Structurally, the models are pumps, which themselves are located outside, but work inside. They are compact, but despite this, they are not very popular with aquarists.
Or bottom?
Another popular type of filter is bottom filter. The so-called false bottom is a simple structure in the form of a plastic plate with holes - it is through them that water passes. The filter itself is located at a height of 2 cm from the bottom of the aquarium, soil is laid on the plate. Water passes through the soil, the bacteria in it contribute to biological filtration, so toxic ammonia is removed from the liquid. So there are a huge number of varieties of pumps. What is the best filter for an aquarium? Based on the features of the container and itscontent.
