Filtration Options For Keeping Your Aquarium Clean

There are three major types of filtration systems for keeping aquariums clean. These are mechanical, chemical, and biological. Some experts advise that all three types of filters should be used for keeping your aquarium clean. This is particularly true in the case of a reef environment but may not hold for all types of aquariums. Before you decide what filtration option(s) to choose for your aquarium, it is recommended that you acquaint yourself with all three.

Every aquarium must have a biological filter to stimulate the growth of good bacteria, which is essential to a healthy tank environment. Adding fish to the tank helps to create a natural bacteria filter, as the bacteria ride the fish, fall into the tank, spread and grow. Another option is under gravel filtering that forces water and dirt through the crushed coral, trapping the dirt beneath the gravel. These days, options other than under gravel filtering such as sponge filters, trickle filters, canister filters, fluidized bed filters, and bio wheels are preferred methods of biological filtering.

Mechanical filtration is a more direct means of removing particulate matter from aquariums. Mechanical filters are very diverse and can be used in almost any aquarium environment. The key to making mechanical filters effective is that you must keep them clean. Mechanical filters have a tendency to accumulate the very dirt they are removing. However, correctly maintained mechanical filters are very efficient at keeping tanks clean.

Ammonia, phosphates, and copper are elements that need to be filtered from your tank. Chemical filters generally accomplish this sort of filtration. There are several types of chemical filters; among them are protein skimming filters, canister filters, and internal filters. Trickle filters are popular for saltwater aquariums. In the trickle method water is drawn through the biological, mechanical, chemical and auxiliary filters before returning to the tank.

Whatever method or combination of methods you choose to filter your aquarium, you must understand that water filtration is a vital element in keeping your fish vibrant and healthy. Your fish will grow to reflect the environment of their aquarium. If your aquarium is dirty and unhealthy, you will raise dirty, sickly fish. On the other hand, if you keep your fish habitat clean and free from detritus, you will raise clean health fish.

Clean, healthy fish are the goal of every aquarium enthusiast. You certainly cannot enjoy sickly, unhealthy fish in your tank. So, be certain to choose adequate filtration for keeping your aquarium clean and your fish healthy.

Chintamani Abhyankar is a goldfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding goldfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy goldfish the natural way. His famous digital book, "Secrets on Keeping Beautiful Goldfish", offers simple, easy to follow instruction for raising healthy, long-living goldfish. Visit his website http://www.goldfishcaretips.com to learn more about expertly raising your goldfish and to receive your FREE copy of his special report, "Fish-Keeping Hobby Secrets Revealed".