What is the best filter for an aquarium to choose?

Each aquarium owner is interested in making his device work stably and efficiently, and the fish live for a long time. An important role in achieving these goals is played by good water filtration. What is the best filter for the aquarium and what rules to consider when choosing it? Let's try to figure it out.

Types and Application

The choice of filter should be made taking into account who lives in the aquarium, what plants are in it and how many of them. If the aquarium is large, it has a lot of plants and animals, then the filter should be powerful, effectively remove all contaminants from the water. Today, there are several types of water filtration in an aquarium:

• mechanical;
• chemical;
• biological;
• combined.

What is the best filter for an aquarium? Consider the main features of each filtering system.

Mechanical

These filters are considered the simplest, but also the most effective for serving aquariums of different sizes. Outwardly, they resemble a simple glass consisting of a pump (motor) and an absorbent sponge. The pump pumps water in the aquarium, it passes through a sponge, as a result of which it is cleaned. Such filtering is effective for removing large contaminants - underfed food, fish stool, and debris from dead organisms. So if you are looking for the best filter for a small aquarium, give preference to mechanical models.

Chemical

Thanks to chemical filters, water is purified through absorbents, most often aquarium coal is used in this capacity. It is advisable to use ion exchange resins, for example zeolite. Such filters are more efficient and practical due to the porosity of absorbent materials that absorb particulate matter well. Ion-exchange resins cope well with harmful poisons in the form of ammonia, nitrates and nitrites, which gradually accumulate in the aquarium.

Biological

The best and most reliable filtration for an aquarium is based on a biological filter. This method of water purification assumes the presence in the filter of a special compartment, which is needed for the cultivation of beneficial bacteria. For their reproduction, a special substrate is used. Bacteria play an important role, as they saturate water with useful substances and decompose harmful substances: ammonia, nitrites and nitrates - to a gaseous state. They are the most serious and dangerous enemy for aquarium inhabitants, leading to diseases and death of fish. If you still doubt which filter is best for the aquarium, choose biological options.

Combined

These filters are convenient in that they can purify water in various ways. Moreover, even the simplest mechanical model can be used as a combined one, for example, combining an absorbent sponge with aquarium charcoal. So the conclusion can be drawn as follows. For a small aquarium, mechanical devices are the most profitable option: cheap, but simple and easy to use.

If the aquarium is large, then you need to consult a specialist who will help you decide which filter is best for an aquarium of 100 liters or more. Most often, it is recommended to use a biofilter, which at a higher price and difficulty in cleaning will be effective and durable. By the way, consider the filter capacity. The effectiveness of his work depends on this. Depending on the location, aquarium filters are divided into internal, external or mounted. Consider the features of each variety in more detail.

Domestic

These varieties are mounted directly inside the aquarium and can have a variety of filtering mechanisms. These filters are the most popular, due to their affordable cost, ease of operation and cleaning. On the other hand, users note that they "eat" the useful space of the aquarium, but for large devices this is not so critical. Which internal aquarium filter is better? Consider the most popular models:

1. Aqua Szut Super Mini. This internal filter is suitable for aquariums of 10-80 liters, is characterized by high-quality cleaning and aeration of water. Among the advantages of this filter, users note the ease of maintenance, compact size, low noise level, the ability to arrange vertically or horizontally, the combination of mechanical and biological methods of water treatment in operation. The well-thought-out aeration part of the structure contributes to the saturation of water with oxygen.
2. Aquael Turbo Filter Professional. This internal filter pumps, purifies and aerates the water in the aquarium. The difference from similar models is in the qualitative saturation of water with oxygen, even at great depths.
3. ASAP 500. Aquarium filters of this brand are characterized by high performance and functionality, as well as an original design that minimizes maintenance time. So if you are in doubt which internal filter for the aquarium is best to choose and are looking for a truly modern and cost-effective option, the ASAP 500 is worth your attention. Its design is a combination of an energy-efficient motor with a high-quality filter sponge. The housing is easy to clean or replace with a new one; in addition, this filter is ideal for use in shallow water.
4. ALEAS IPF-6200L. An even more efficient and advanced, but expensive filter model. An increased level of cleaning is provided by two cartridges, and the model performs three functions at once - it filters the water, ensures its circulation and aeration. The biological filtration system is multilevel, and the filter material is voluminous. Thanks to this, the larger internal surface of the aquarium is cleaned, which remains clean for much longer.

These models are considered one of the best and most productive and will be interesting to those who are looking for information on which filter for the aquarium is better to choose.

External filters

External filtering mechanisms are mounted outside the aquarium, and only tubes are lowered into it. About this variety of reviews are very different. Some say that due to the large volume of filtering materials, maximum water purification is ensured, while others note that a lot of space is required next to the aquarium to place a filter, which is also expensive. Which external aquarium filter is better to choose?

The best models

We offer an overview of popular models:

1. Tetratec EX 400. This powerful filter is suitable for an aquarium with a volume of 10-80 liters, and is distinguished by the comfort of installation and maintenance. Thanks to the integrated automatic start-up system, the filter does not suck in water during installation and cleaning. With power, the mechanism works quietly. It is completed with five filtering mechanisms that provides high-quality and effective water purification. These are universal filters for aquariums. Which is better at 50l? The manufacturer offers a number of models, among which you can find the best option.
2. Eheim. The products of this brand are represented mainly by canister filters that work reliably, stably and for a long time. The special design is protected from leaks, high-quality filter materials are used, due to which the water is cleaned quickly and for a long time. One of the most popular models is the Eheim Classic 2213, which comes with sponges and gaskets, tubes and double taps. For large aquariums, Eheim Professional 3 2073 is useful - its volume is enough for a model of 180-350 liters. The advantage is the presence of a pre-filter, which increases the service life of all fillers.
3. Tetra. This brand offers to buy a high-quality and reliable external filter for the aquarium. Which is better? Manufacturers offer a wide selection of models that will ensure the optimal balance of water in the aquarium.

Mounted filters are a compromise between the models described above. Structurally, the models are pumps that themselves are located outside, and work inside. They are compact, but despite this, they are not very popular with aquarists.

Or bottom?

Another popular type of filter is the bottom. The so-called false is a simple design in the form of a plastic plate with holes - it is through them that water passes. The filter itself is located at a height of 2 cm from the bottom of the aquarium, soil is laid on the plate. Water passes through the soil, the bacteria in it contribute to biological filtration, so toxic ammonia is removed from the liquid. So there are a huge variety of pumps. Which filter is the best for the aquarium? Based on the characteristics of the container and its contents.