Tank Filter
Choosing a Fish Tank Filter
A filter, along with a heater, is probably the most important part of any fish tank set up. Without it the water in your fish tank will become much like a stagnant pond and little will be able to live in it except for a nice film of green algae scum.
There are two main types of fish tank filters; external and internal. Both of these types of filters can be used in either fresh water or salt water aquariums.
When it comes to internal filters there are two basic types. The first is the under gravel filter seen primarily in fresh water tanks. This consists of a raised plastic grate that sits on the bottom of the tank. The gravel or base material is placed over the top and clear vertical tubes attach to holes in the filter. These tubes have either a power head sitting on top or a bubbler inserted into them. The water is forced to flow through the gravel and back up the tube into the tank. The gravel itself is the filter, collecting the extra food and fish waste that is pulled down into it.
The second internal type filter is more along the lines of a sump tank just below the main tank and is used mainly for salt water tanks. There is an internal tube that that allows water to flow down into the sump where it is pumped through a series of filters that catch all the waste and bad bacteria. The filtered water is then pumped back to the top of the main tank keeping a continuous flow going. This is a good filter choice but it is on the pricey side and does create quite a bit of background noise.
An external filter is the best choice for any fish tank, if you can afford to use it. All the filtering is done outside the tank, keeping the filtered water separate from the unfiltered water until it is returned to the tank. A couple of long hoses connect the filter to the tank, one that supplies the filter and the other that returns the filtered water to the tank. This type of filter is the most effective but also the most expensive.
You can purchase any of these types of filters at your local fish shop, but may have a harder time finding the more expensive external type at a general pet store. The sump type filter will require a tank that is either altered or custom made. If you are going to spend the extra money on this type of set up it makes better sense to spend the money on a good quality external filter instead. An external fish tank filter will cost more up front but in the long run you will save on maintenance costs and fish costs because you will be providing the best habitat they need to live long and healthy lives.
About the Author
For more valuable information about choosing a fish tank filter, and setting up and maintaining a new fish tank visit the website Fish Tank Care & Supplies by Clicking Here.
DIY over tank box filter
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Fish Tank Octagon Shaped White Sponge Filter White $10.54 |
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CHEAP FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK 5W UV STERILIZER FILTER PUMP $35.00 |
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NEW MUGEN MBX6R USA KIT FUEL TANK KIT W/SCREEN TYPE FUEL FILTER nitro ofna $15.50 |
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Airtex Fuel Pumps, In-Tank Assmbly & Filters 1997 $9.99 |
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CHEAP TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $77.00 |
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Fish Tank Aquarium Biochemical Ylw Large Filter Sponge $5.34 |
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Fish Tank Aquarium Gray Clear Plastic External Filter $49.00 |
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MUGEN MBX6R US VERSION Fuel Tank / Line / Filter MBX6-R US $10.50 |
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Excavator Diesel Oil Tank Filter Strainer for Komatsu $9.91 |
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Flexible U Tube Aquarium Fish Tank Filter Pump Hose Brush $5.87 |
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Fish Tank Aquarium Pure White Filter White Sponge New $6.03 |
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3.3″ Dia Black Biochemical Sponge Filter for Aquarium Fish Tank $13.39 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Cleaner Pump Syphon Filter $3.59 |
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CHEAP AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER POWER FILTER 75 GALLON $54.00 |
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70 KAWASAKI F5 F9 350 BIGHORN OIL TANK RESERVOIR FILTER $24.99 |
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CHEAP FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER + 9W UV LAMP HW-402B $81.99 |
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Fish Aquarium Tank Sponge Biochemical Water Filter New $10.72 |
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CHEAP TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV HW-404B $106.99 |
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2, 10-15 gallon aqua tech fish tank filters $10.00 |
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CHEAP 2 IN 1 FISH TANK AQUARIUM WATER PUMP FILTER 160GPH 70 G $25.99 |
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CHEAP TROPICAL AQUARIUM MARINE FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER 30 G $27.99 |
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TETRA BIO FOAM GRID FITS WHISPER IN TANK 10, 1 PACK, FILTER PADS, TETRA USA INC. $4.63 |
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WHISPER 3I IN-TANK POWER FILTER, 1 PACK, SUBMERSIBLE FILTERS, TETRA USA INC., AQ $15.46 |
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#2040 LIBERTY POWER FILTER 100GPH TANKS TO 20GAL, 1 PACK, POWER FILTERS, EHEIM, $25.33 |
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#2041 LIBERTY POWER FILTER 150GPH TANKS TO 35GAL, 1 PACK, POWER FILTERS, EHEIM, $25.97 |
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#2042 LIBERTY POWER FILTER 200GPH TANKS TO 50GAL, 1 PACK, POWER FILTERS, EHEIM, $34.16 |
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52CM Aquarium Washer Vacuum Syphon Hose Pump Water Filter Cleaner for Fish Tank $0.99 |
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Bissell Upright vacuum Cleaner Upper Tank Filter Frame Part # 2046884,204-6884 $8.99 |
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Aquarium Tank Biochemical Column Multi Layer Sponge Filter Black $4.75 |
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CHEAP TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV HW-402B $81.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Active Carbon Octagon Sponge Filter $10.85 |
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CHEAP AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER OUTSIDE FILTER + 9W UV 200G HW-404B $106.99 |
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TETRA WATER WONDERS 1.5 GALLON TANK BUBBLES FILTER HUGE SET! $25.99 |
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CHEAP ALL IN 1 AQUARIUM FISH TANK KIT W/ FILTER PUMP LIGHTING $46.00 |
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Green Cotton Aquarium Filter Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge $4.92 |
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38″ Length Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Filter White Sponge Pad $5.62 |
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CHEAP FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK OUTSIDE FILTER + 9W UV HW-303B $77.00 |
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RENA FILSTAR XP- FISH-TURTLE TANK FILTER $20.00 |
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Jacuzzi Avalanche DE Filter Tank O-Ring 47-0380-47R $10.95 |