The Complete Guide to Aquarium Filtration
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The Complete Guide to Aquarium Filtration!Please pay attention, leave a message, and discuss with aquarists. akaida aquarium welcome!
An aquarium filtration system is an important component of a healthy fish tank. An efficient aquarium filter will help maintain good water quality in both freshwater and saltwater Aquariums. They can help tremendously in maintaining water parameters in between regular water changes.
Without a filtration system, you would probably be required to do a lot more water changes, and only be able to stock a very limited number of fish in your aquarium. An aquarium filter is essential for almost every tank setup with live fish. There are many types of filtration systems, and each serves a different purpose.
An aquarium filter works by pushing water through various types of filtration media. The main types of filtration media used are mechanical filters, biological filters, and chemical filters. Each filtration media has their own specific purpose. Mechanical filters physically traps large particles in the water by pushing water through floss or filter materials. Next, biological filters create a suitable environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive in. In other words, they are helping complete the nitrogen cycle in the aquarium. Lastly, chemical filtration is achieved by submerging select materials in the aquarium water for their desired effect. For example, activated compound is often used to extract dissolved waste in the water.
Each filtration type is described in detail below
Mechanical Filtration
A mechanical filtration in an aquarium is achieved by passing water through a material, such as foam or polyester floss, which effectively blocks the passage of solid materials. These solid particles includes uneaten food, fish waste, and decaying plant material. Instead of allowing these particles to continuously float around the tank, they will be collected in the filtration system. However, mechanical filters are not designed to break down the waste and process it. The role of mechanical filtration is to simple collects the particles. This is why regular cleaning is required. Without regular maintenance, the filter may become clogged. If the particles start decaying or start dissolving back within the water, it will ultimately end up polluting the water it is filtering. In addition to cleaning, it is recommended to change the filter media occasionally as well.
Biological Filtration
A biological filtration in an aquarium is achieved by passing water over a medium rich in beneficial bacteria. The beneficial bacteria converts ammonia and nitrites into less dangerous nitrates. This is a part of the nitrogen cycle. Biological filtration enhances this process by increasing the surface area for these beneficial bacteria to grow on. Materials such as ceramic rings and bio balls are commonly used.
Biological filtration is considered the most important type of filtration in an aquarium. Compared to fish living in their natural habitat, fish in an aquarium is often living in a compact space, with a higher density of fish per gallon of water. Live fish constantly produce waste in the form of ammonia and nitrites. If the concentration of ammonia and nitrites is too high, it can damage the internal organs of the fish. If the fish are exposed to high concentration of these compounds over an extended period, they can die. Biological filtration systems help process these harmful compounds into nitrates, which are less harmful to the fish. Once converted to nitrates, it can be utilized by plants as fertilizers as well.
One vital component of biological filtration is oxygen. Since the beneficial bacteria are aerobic, biological filtration can only be achieved if the water surrounding the filter medium is rich in oxygen. It is important to make sure that the filter media Is agitated with good water flow. If the filter media becomes clogged with debris over time, it can create an anaerobic environment. This will result in less beneficial bacteria, making the biological filter less efficient. At this point, the filter should be gently rinsed with old tank water. Washing the filter with tap water should be avoided since the chlorine could kill off the beneficial bacteria living on the filter.
Chemical Filtration
A chemical filtration in an aquarium is achieved by passing water through a medium, such as activated carbon or zeolite, which extracts dissolved waste and compounds in the water. Since mechanical filters are hardly effective against waste that has dissolved into the water, chemical filtration can be useful. Activated carbon can help remove chlorine and chloramine, dissolved proteins, tannins from bogwood, and bad odor. Zeolite effectively removes ammonia from the water.
It is important to keep in mind that chemical filtration requires regular maintenance as the filter medium can become ineffective over time. In addition, after the filter medium absorbs the harmful chemicals, it can start to release it back into the water over time. Therefore, the medium should be replaced regularly.
If the aquarium is being treated with a medication, the chemical filtration medium should be removed. If the filter medium will absorb the medication, which can cause the medication to be less effective.
Unlike mechanical and biological filtration, chemical filtration is considered optional by many fishkeepers. In fact, many plants can extract dissolved chemical waste, working in the capacity of a chemical filter. However, a chemical filter can be useful in the case of the spike in ammonia or other chemical. It can work as a buffer until the next water change or the root cause of the issue is dealt with.
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