Post by guppyguy on Mar 11, 2016 15:49:52 GMT -5
There are many types of filters on the market. Depending upon the size of your tank, you are looking for output (amount of water filter per hour). In general the lowest output is with air pump driven filters, such as box floss filters and undergravel filters. Hang on back power filters range in size for 10 gallon aquariums and up to over 100 gallons. These are essential outside boxes with an impeller to draw water through an intake, filter across a medium pad, and then flow across an aerator. Canister filters are even higher output, and because they are enclosed, the pressure can be greater resulting in larger flow rates.
The type of filter that you buy comes down to personal choice and cost. Whether you use an air driven filter or a high tech canister filter, they are effective, some more than others. A simple sponge filter has worked well for decades, and is perhaps even simpler and most economical in terms of function and price. It is your choice, so research what you have in mind, based upon the size of tank (output), style (visible or not visible), cost and complexity.
Sponge filter : low cost, biologic and some mechanical filtration, highly visible, not very attractive, can be noisy.
Box floss filter : low cost, biologic and mechanical filtration, some chemical filtration when you are carbon, not very attractive, can be noisy.
Undergravel filter : low cost, biologic filtration only, requires gravel cleaning, invisible, difficult to maintain, can be noisy (air pump driven).
HOB (hang on back) Power filters : low to medium cost, high output, biologic, chemical and mechanical filtration, requires frequent cleaning, relatively quiet.
Canister Filters : medium to high cost, highly efficient, highest output and flow, biologic, mechanical and chemical filtration, requires frequent cleaning, quiet.
The type of filter that you buy comes down to personal choice and cost. Whether you use an air driven filter or a high tech canister filter, they are effective, some more than others. A simple sponge filter has worked well for decades, and is perhaps even simpler and most economical in terms of function and price. It is your choice, so research what you have in mind, based upon the size of tank (output), style (visible or not visible), cost and complexity.
Sponge filter : low cost, biologic and some mechanical filtration, highly visible, not very attractive, can be noisy.
Box floss filter : low cost, biologic and mechanical filtration, some chemical filtration when you are carbon, not very attractive, can be noisy.
Undergravel filter : low cost, biologic filtration only, requires gravel cleaning, invisible, difficult to maintain, can be noisy (air pump driven).
HOB (hang on back) Power filters : low to medium cost, high output, biologic, chemical and mechanical filtration, requires frequent cleaning, relatively quiet.
Canister Filters : medium to high cost, highly efficient, highest output and flow, biologic, mechanical and chemical filtration, requires frequent cleaning, quiet.