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Filtration |
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Setting up an aquarium includes having proper filtration. If there isn't enough filtration you
are most likely to have higher nitrate and ammonia levels, and may also find yourself working a little harder keeping your tank clean than you should. The whole idea is to setup a low maintenance aquarium, that stays crystal clear month after month. So what can you do to reach that goal? Buy excellent filtration, or in other words, more than you need. We only recommend* some of the best filters on the market, and can tell you which one would be best for your home aquarium. In this section we
explain what types of filtration you need, why they are important, and list a few filters that we recommend* using on your
aquarium that perform most or all of the types of filtration,
see our chart to see what tank sizes we recommend* for use with each filter. If your aquarium
size/type isn't listed, or you have any other questions about filtration then
feel free to ask us. Types of Filtration There are hundreds of filters available, but they all perform one or more of the three types of filtration. In order to keep your aquarium clean and your fish healthy, all three types of filtration must be covered. Although almost every filter claims that it performs all three types adequately, very few actually do. The 3 types of filtration are: Mechanical: Removes suspended debris, such as fish waste and dirt. Mechanical filters strain dirt from the water using foam or tightly packed floss. These filters can usually be reused by simply washing them. Chemical: Removes dissolved chemicals. The black carbon has a high surface area that removes the chemicals that cause the water to turn yellow and smell. Unfortunately, it also can remove useful chemicals. If you are treating your fish with medication, remove the carbon. The carbon can only absorb a certain amount of chemicals before it becomes ineffective. The carbon cannot be reused and should be replaced every 3-4 weeks. Biological: Uses bacteria to remove toxins from the water. It is the most important type of filtration, and most fish deaths can be traced to a lack of this filtration. You need to cycle your tank, with a few fish in it, for a month to allow the bacteria to grow. The fish, fish waste and plants produce ammonia. This ammonia can harm fish in amounts less than 1ppm (part per million). The bacteria converts the ammonia to nitrite, which is even more toxic. A second bacteria converts the toxic nitrite to non-toxic nitrate. This process uses an enormous amount of oxygen, so adequate aeration is required. Once biological part of your filter is cycled, you should never change it or clean it, or you will loose the beneficial bacteria. Filtration Media When it comes to maintaining clear water in your aquarium, it's the media that does the job. All filters use some kind of filtration media, such as carbon, or zeolite to keep water clean & clear. For more information on filtration media click here. Filter Types
We Recommend
Below are the list of filters that Marineland offers, and also one's that we recommend (have an asterisk* next to the model type). Click on the category that suits your needs most.
Standard
To get these products, including
other Marineland products go to:
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