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What type of filter should I get for fish tank2007-11-24 23:42:35

I know of power filters and heard of others, but what are my options and which one is the best?

Answers:

Power filters can provide biological, mechanical and chemical filtration. They are easy to take care of and clean. I perfer these over all the other types of filters in tanks that are 60 gallons or less, unless you plan on breeding fish.

Sponge filters are a tube with a sponge like material inside it. Bacteria will build up inside the filter and establish a biological filtration. They also remove larger particles from the water helping to clean the tank. These are great if you want to breed fish because the baby fish can't get stuck in it.

Undergravel filters use a plate, which is placed under the gravel or sand, then an air pump is used to pull the water down through the gravel or sand, taking the waste with it, creating a biological filtration. But it doesn't remove large waste particles and if not well maintained it will clog up, if cloged it will not work.

For larger (75G) tanks you'll need a Canister filter, they are powerful, forcing the water through the filter media, instead of letting it flow through it. But they do need frequent cleaning, it can be difficult to take it apart, set it back up and get it started. These can provide Biological filtration with Bio-weels.

There are few other types of filters, but these are the best out on the market right now for fresh water tanks.

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undergravel filters r very cheap and easy to maintain but do not give good filtration. I have a power filter, it does a great job of keeping ph, nitrate, and other levels good. and i also have an undergravel, it dissolves oxygen into the water for the fish to breath. also u could get alage eaters in your tank. mollies and platies r very good

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You should use a power filter. These are the types that hang off the back of the tank. If you have a larger tank 75 and up you might think about getting a canister(but you really don't need one, only if bigger than 75 G). But I have a 75 gallon with a undergravel which sucks waste into the gravel, and a power filter. I would recommend the Marineland Emperor Penguin Bio-Wheel filter. Make sure you do regular water changes and rinse out your filter!!

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i like power filters because i think they are the easiest and most convenient..i also like canister filters because i think they do the best job at filtering and they are also out of the way (they are in the stand and have tubes going up to your tank) both are quiet and easy to use and i wouldnt know of any advice for other filters because ive never used them

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Depends on the size of the fish tank, and what you'll be stocking it with. All my smaller tanks(under 55 gallons) I have "hob" filters (hang on the back), and I have 2 on each tank (except my 10 gallons). The reason for 2? In case one breaks, change out the filter floss at different times so I don't destroy the bacteria, and just for extra oxygenation. My bigger tanks (55+) I have a canister and a hob. I like the canister's because they just seem to work so much better and it provides all types of filtration. I wouldn't recommend the undergravel filters, there's a reason they're so cheap-they suck. Sponge filters are good for "delicate" species and baby fish, and quarantine tanks.

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How big is your tank? What kinds of fish are you going to have in it?

These are important to know. I couldn't very well tell you to go get a Biowheel if you have a 1g tank with a Goldfish in it.