Fresh water fish tank filtration?

Bunac asked:

Hi, im interested in getting a freshwater fish tank and i was wondering what kind of filters are available and what they do? I had a fish tank previously an i had to take the fish out once a week to change the water, gravel, and clean the glass. Are there filters that will do all of those things for me? Are there filtration systems that allow me to never have to clean the tank or take the fish out?

Reply :

There are many types of filtratrion, but basically there is mechanical and chemical filtration. Many filtration systems combine both. Some of the most common ones:

Hanging filters hang on the side or stick to the side and mechanically filter the water. These are the most common. The main problem with them is that some create to strong of a current, which can be bad for small fish or fry or fish sensitive to water movement. Also, some tend to recirculate the same area of water over and over, especially since many incorporate a waterfall type effect. Some people will put two hanging filters on opposite ends of the tank to help with this problem. A lot of hanging filters have special cartriges for carbon and other chemicals, although their actual usefulness is debated.

Undergravel filters go under the gravel and use an air pump to filter water. They are best for fry tanks since they do not create such a violent flow. However, they are less powerfull and will require more cleaning on your part. Also, since they are undergravel, they tend to need cleared of debris frequently.

Another source of filtration are plants. Live plants are a great idea as they help establish the nitrogen cycle in your tank.

There are also canister and reverse osmosis filters, but I don't really know much about those. =B And then there are a bunch of other obscure types which I also don't know about. =B

This is a great site that explains all about the different kinds of air filters.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/aquarium-fil…

As for your second question, no, there is not a filter that will eliminate the need for you to physically clean your aquarium. However, it is not necessary to remove your fish every single time you clean. You can leave them in when you are doing your weekly water changes and are scrubbing the tank sides. Also, you need only gravel vacuum about once every three weeks, and even then, you don't need to take all your fish out. Just be careful not to suck up any fish if you have the kind of siphon that attaches buying drugs online without prescription to a sink.

Good for you, finding out about an aquarium before actually getting started. Keep reading, and have fun! =D