Marrying ease and functionality, this filter employs highly-efficient Bio-Wheel technology, which keeps water clean and encourages beneficial bacteria to keep ammonia levels in the water low.
Powerful yet quiet, this option is easy to install in your tank and moves water continuously through several stages of filtration. Easily-accessible doors and covers are designed to allow easy cleaning and filter replacement.
This filter claims to have a volume that’s seven times larger than similar filters. This large volume means the water is in contact with the filter more often, resulting in a cleaner tank.
Great for saltwater, freshwater, and terrariums, this filter has an adjustable flow, which can be useful, especially when feeding your fish. It oxygenates the water and features a spray bar that distributes that water evenly over the tank’s surface.
The ribbed texture on the back of this aquarium filter ensures the water has maximum contact with the filtration system. It controls odors, resists clogging, and removes ammonia and nitrate. It comes with one replacement filter cartridge.
This aquarium filter is designed to reduce noise and splashing, and does not contain a wheel that can jam or break. It starts up automatically after power outages or cleanings, and a handy LED turns on when it’s time to replace the cartridge.
An aquarium filter may seem unnecessary or annoying, but it’s essential if you want to keep fish, whether in salt or fresh water or in a terrarium. Consider the following factors when choosing one.
A: Most aquarium filters have three layers of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Mechanical is the most obvious: the filter sucks the water through dense fibers (called floss), which collect and trap dirt and debris. Chemical filtration generally uses activated charcoal, absorbing contaminants in the water you can’t see. Finally, biological filtration media provides a place for certain beneficial bacteria to grow. These bacteria convert ammonia and nitrite, which are poisonous to your fish, into less toxic compounds. By employing these three methods, your fish will have clean, safe water to thrive in.
A: Check your tank periodically to ensure the water is still flowing steadily, and the filter is still running. If the flow begins to slow, it may be time to clean it. To do so, have some towels and cleaning brushes at hand. First, turn off and unplug your filter. Disassemble the filter and place the parts in a bucket or on a tray. Fill a small bucket with old tank water and swish the parts around in it for an initial cleaning. Then, squeeze out sponges and use the brushes around any crevices or seals.