Tropical Fish Inforamation – Your Fish Tank Guru

Aquarium Filtration

Hang on filters:

1. Aqueon Power Filter, made by Central Aquatics
For good strong circulation, more media space than most other hang on filters, and sturdy, easy design, the Aqueon Power Filter takes #1 for me. The pump is submersible and sits into the water, which makes for less risk of leaking and a stronger current. This also helps in the prevention of running the filter dry and damaging the impeller inside the pump.
This is not a good filter choice for weak swimming fish or fish who desire less water current, such as betta splendins, neon tetras, hillstream loaches, etc.
Noise level is dependent on water level. In a completely filled aquarium any noise is minimal. Lowering the water level is limited to that level where the pump sits as it must remain submerged. The telescopic intake tube makes it easy to adjust to just the right level.

2. Whisper Power Filter, made by Tetra ranks #2 on my list of effective, easy, and quiet. Tetra has designed their power filters with easy to read coding to match up correct filter media based on model size and they spend a lot of time and effort in marketing to make their replacement cartridges easy for the customer to find. The water current from a Whisper power filter is more conducive for a low circulation environment.

3. Aqua Clear Power Filter made by Hagen gets the #3 slot on my list. With a large box for media and sponge insert to promote biological filtration and chemical filtration at the same time, Aqua Clear beats all other filters for its biological abilities (when used correctly). The one drawback with Aqua Clear is the noise. While not extreme, it is more than some people can tolerate. Because of the design, even with a full water level, there is known to be some water noise.

Canister Filters:

1. Eheim gets the #1 slot for both effectiveness and sturdy product. Eheim canister filters are designed to make the most of biological filtration, and they use ceramic parts to ensure durability in saltwater environments. The drawback of the Eheim canister filter is the expense. German made and seldom offered at sale prices, Eheim rules store shelves as the overall #1.

2. Cascade Canister Filters made by Penn Plax make #2 on my list. These filters are durable, sturdy, and offer the ultimate in space for filter medias. Cascade has a good strong motor that handles heavy waste loads well (provided it is maintained properly). The Cascade has quickly become popular due to the smaller price tag it carries. In a freshwater environment the Cascade is a great bargain for the price.
Cascade is not suggested for use in saltwater do to erosion and clogging of the parts from the salt content.

3. Filstar made by Rena ranks #3 on my list of the best canister filters. Like the Cascade the Filstar offers ample space for media, but is not quite as good with heavy waste loads. This filter is best for low to moderate waste level situations. Filstar is also sturdy enough to use in saltwater, although it will require a bit of extra maintenance to ensure the life of the filter due to the erosion and buildups from salt and other mineral deposits.

Internal Filters:

1. The #1 spot for internal filters goes to the Whisper I Series made by Tetra.
Whisper I Series filters are great for submersible or hang on type of filtration. These filters are easily mounted via bracket that hangs on the frame of the aquarium or the suction cups supplied to mount it to the inside wall of a tank. These are great filters for keeping amphibian environments and make for great waterfalls for anyone with a little bit of imagination and some rock work supplies. These filters do take up a fair amount of space, so are not always good for nano aquariums (under 20 gallons) and they do not have a strong current from the output. Like their Whisper hang on cousins, filter media is rather easy to find in most pet stores and is coded for easy identification. The Whisper I Series is one of the few adjustable internal filters available and work wonderful for fish who require a low circulation environment, such as bettas, neon tetras, and hillstream loaches.

2. Eheim holds the #2 spot for internal filters. Slightly more unattractive than the Whisper I Series, don’t let the looks deceive you. Eheim still holds true for its level of durability and maximum use of biological filtration. For a tank that needs a bit more power in a filter, the Eheim is a great choice. The latest Eheim design offers baskets that can be added later to increase level of filtration in any of their internal units. This is great for tanks starting out young fish, it enables the filter to increase with the growth of the fish while not having to purchase an entirely new unit each time.

3. The Hyrdo Sponge Filter made by Lustar makes the #3 spot for internal filters. This filter does require the use of an air pump and airline tubing, but is the safest and most effective form of filtration for fry tanks. The Hydro Sponge Filter is great for that added circulation, aeration, and biological filtration for tanks with high waste levels, but should be used alongside another filter type in high waste situations to ensure healthy water chemistry. These filters are easy to maintain, and last for years if properly cared for. Simply rinse the sponge in a bucket of dirty fish tank water to preserve bacteria culture, slide it back onto the base, and set it back into the tank and you’re done. For simple yet effective and easily adjustable with a simple air line control valve, the Hyrdo Sponge filter is a bang for the buck. This is one of the least expensive forms of aquarium filtration available.

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Hello,

Well I was thinking to talk about important equitment for an Aquarium and a very important piece of equipment is the Filter. The filter’s I trust the most is the Mariland Filter. The Mariland Filter is very easy to use and install. I have the Mariland Filter Mini Penguin for both my 10 Gallon Fish tanks.