The well-being of your Aquarium Fish depends upon the correct Aquarium Filtration and getting this wrong could result in Fish fatalities.

You have a choice of Internal Aquarium Filters, External Aquarium Filters and either Air Powered Aquarium Filters or Aquarium Power Filters.

Internal Aquarium Filters
The most widely used Internal Aquarium Filters are Canister Filters, Air Powered Sponge Filters and Under Gravel Filters.

Probably the most common Aquarium Filtering process is using the Canister Filter. Canister Filters prove to be effective, are inexpensive and have the most acceptable noise level.

By and large, Internal Aquarium Filters will have a Sponge for Biological and Mechanical Filtration. Better quality Internal Aquarium Filters might have dual sponges. This will enable a rotational cleaning process that maintains high Bacteria levels. These Internal Aquarium Filters also allow for a trouble free substitution of one of the sponges, without disabling your chief Biological Filter.

Additional characteristics of these Internal Canister Filters include variable nozzle direction and flow, a disposable Polyester Pad or Carbon Filtration Foam for both tropical and coldwater aquariums up to 120cm wide and approximately 200 litre capacity. Above this size Aquarium Internal Canister Filters would not be recommended.

Aquarium Air Powered Filters
Although Aquarium Air Powered Filters have been available for many years, they have now been virtually surpassed by the Aquarium Internal Power Filter.

Nevertheless, the Air Powered Filter Sponge still has its usefulness. With finer Filter Foam the Air Powered Filter produces a more gentle flow. This will be more appropriate with the keeping of Small Fish.

Under Gravel Aquarium Filters
Originally Under Gravel Aquarium Filters were the most widely used Aquarium Filter but they can be very troublesome if not correctly maintained.

Aquarium Waste can be absorbed into the Aquarium Gravel, obscuring the perforated Filter Plate of your Under Gravel Aquarium Filter. If the Aquarium Waste is not frequently removed this will prevent the Bacteria on the Aquarium Gravel from obtaining essential Oxygen supplies.

Under Gravel Aquarium Filters are known to hamper Aquarium Plant growth as the flow over the Aquarium Gravel diverts the essential nutrients from the Aquarium Plant roots. Although the addition of a Powerhead may improve matters, difficulties are still a strong possibility with unclean
Aquarium Gravel and Nitrate build up being the main problems.

External Aquarium Filters
External Aquarium Filters are only offered as Power Filters. Power Filters are the largest and most powerful Aquarium Filter Systems available.

External Aquarium Filters are most effective on Aquariums of 120cm or more wide, having a 200 litre plus capacity and External Aquarium Filters have three major advantages:

1. A higher volume of Filter material
2. Extra Biological Media for the breakdown of Ammonia
3. Greater scope for further Media such as Carbon.

Usually the External Aquarium Filter will have a flow rate of between 600 and 1000 litres per hour.

Most successful on the dirtier Aquariums, the External Aquarium Filter will draw off both Fish and Plant waste rapidly as it is formed.

Although External Filters are larger Filters they can usually be hidden in a cupboard beneath the tank. Their very low noise level is also a distinct advantage. It is worth noting that when fitting these External Aquarium Filters special attention should be paid to the instructions as they are more complex to install than other types of Aquarium Filters.


SUMMARY
External Filters are usually more expensive than Internal Aquarium Filters as they are larger and use more Filtration Media. External Filters do offer a superior cleansing system leading to a healthier Aquarium For Your Fish.

Internal Filters are great for Small Aquarium to Medium Aquariums which house small and medium Fish. Internal Aquarium Filters will only work for Aquariums with up to 200 litres of water.

Aquarium Air Powered Sponge Filters are not powerful enough to Filter Aquariums over 60cm wide. Although inexpensive to purchase, there is the additional cost of an Air Pump and Non-Return Valve to enable it to work.

A range of Aquarium Filters are available on the Fish-Fish-Fish website. 

We hope your have found the guidance above of use and it assists you with some trouble free, pleasurable fishkeeping. Please feel free to contact Fish-Fish-Fish on 01799 550 943 or e-mail anytime should you have any queries.