Video:Types of Filters for Freshwater Aquariums

Transcript:Types of Filters for Freshwater Aquariums

Hi, I am Dan Thornton, from Reef Encounters in Erie, Colorado and I am here today for About.com to talk about types of filters for freshwater aquariums. There are basically three methods of filtration for fresh water aquariums. There is biological filtration, chemical filtration and mechanical filtration. And you want to find a filter, or a combination of filters that is going to accomplish all three of these. 

Undergravel Filters for Aquariums

The filters that you most commonly see in household fresh water aquariums are the undergravel filter, the hang-on-the-back power filter, and the box filter. The canister filter is also a very popular filter. Under gravel filters have been around for a long time. It was really one of the first filters that made it easier for people to keep aquariums. Undergravel filters are one of the most reliable filters; they are easy to use.

The disadvantage to the under gravel filter is that there is no way to get underneath it, without taking everything out of the aquarium.

Aquarium Power Filter

The hang-on-the-back power filter, they are easy to repair, they are easy to maintain, pretty much anybody can put one together and use it. So that is really their major advantage and that is probably why they are pretty popular right now. They do a good job filtering the water, they stir up the surface a little bit and break up the surface tension, which helps with the gas exchange on the surface of the aquarium.

One disadvantage of the hang-on-the-back power filter is that they can become clogged up. If it gets covered, it can reduce the flow, or completely stop the flow through the filter. If you didn't look at that and didn't notice it, you could lose all of your fish, if that is your only filter.

Aquarium Box Filter

A box filter is a submersible power filter that usually has some combination of sponges or pads, and somewhere to put carbon, or another type of chemical filtration, and you actually submerge it into the aquarium. The advantage to the box filter is that you can accomplish all three types of filtration with the one filter. They are pretty reliable.

The disadvantages to them, they can get clogged up, you have to make sure you take them out and clean the sponges from time-to-time. Another disadvantage is that they are big and bulky. Canister filters are very effective. It is very easy to put chemical filtration and different types and sizes of mechanical filtration. The major disadvantage to the canister filter is that if they leak, they can entirely drain your tank. So you have to make sure you are checking for leaks after you service them.

Thanks so much for watching. For more information on fish, please visit us at About.com.