Best Filtration Systems for Your Aquarium
A good filtration system will help keep your water clean and your fish healthy. However, there are several different filtration systems, so how do you know which one is right for your aquarium? This blog post will uncover the best filtration systems for your aquarium.
Canister Filters
Canister filters are one of the most popular types of aquarium filters. They're easy to set up and maintain, and provide excellent filtration. Canister filters are great for both fresh and saltwater aquariums.
Canister filters are designed to be hidden from view and won't take up valuable space in your aquarium. They're also very quiet, making them a good choice for peaceful aquariums.
These filters have three stages of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Mechanical filtration removes large debris from the water, chemical filtration removes dissolved impurities and toxins, and biological filtration breaks down organic waste and allows beneficial bacteria to grow.
Advantages:
- Canister filters are hidden away from view and are very quiet
- They provide excellent filtration with three stages of filtration
Disadvantages:
- They can be expensive
- They're not the best choice for small aquariums
Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filters
Hang-on-back (HOB) filters are a good choice for aquariums of all sizes. They're easy to set up and maintain and cheaper than Canister filters. As the name suggests, HOB filters hang on the back of the aquarium and suck water in from the tank, then push it through filter media and back into the aquarium.
HOB filters typically have two stages of filtration: mechanical and biological.
Advantages:
- Hang-on-back filters are easy to set up and maintain
- They're less expensive than canister filters
- They provide good filtration
Disadvantages:
- They're visible and are somewhat noisy
- They don't provide as much filtration as canister filters
Under Gravel Filters
Under gravel filters are a perfect choice for freshwater aquariums. They filter your water without having to add any extra hardware to your tank. They work by using the natural biological filtering process of beneficial bacteria, which break down harmful toxins in the water and make it safe for your fish and plants.
Advantages:
- Under gravel filters are easy to set up and maintain
- They're less expensive than canister filters
- They provide good filtration
Disadvantages:
- They can be noisy
- They're not the best choice for saltwater aquariums
Sponge Filters
Sponge filters are a good choice for both fresh and saltwater aquariums. They're easy to set up and maintain, and provide good filtration.
Sponge filters are placed in the aquarium. They're visible and silent and have two stages of filtration: mechanical and biological.
Advantages:
- Sponge filters are easy to set up and maintain
- They're less expensive than canister filters
- They provide good filtration
- They're not noisy
Disadvantages:
- They're visible
- They don't provide as much filtration as canister filters