Basic Types Of Filters For Those New To Fishkeeping
By Jacob Colyer (JBC223456)

There are some basic types of filtration that can help many people decide on what type of filtration to get. So here is my info on the basic types of filtration/filters.

Sponge Filters:

Sponge Filters are the most basic of filters. Sponge filters are small filter sponges that have an airline tube connection. You will hang/suction cup a Sponge Filter on the side of the aquarium. Then you will connect a air pump, recommended for your size tank, up to the sponge filter using airline tubing. Then when you go to start your aquarium full of water, just plug in the air pump and off it goes. Due to their small size and low filtration quality, it is best to have a sponge filter in a main tank to move to a quarantine tank when fish are ill or injured. However, sponge filters can be used for very smalle aquariums. In My Experience (IME), A sponge filter would be good for an aquarium of 15 gallons max. A check valve should be used to prevent back-siphoning of water into the air pump.

Box Filters:

Box Filters are basically the same as a Sponge Filter. It uses an air pump to power it. However, there are some slight differences. A box filter sits at the bottom of the aquarium, and is usually stuffed with filter wool, and some carbon. In the order: Wool, Carbon, Wool. Again, they should only be used for an aquarium for up to 15-20 gallons. A check valve should be used to prevent back-siphoning of water into the air pump.

Undergravel Filters (UGFs):

Undergravel Filters are grate-like filters that are placed at the bottom of the aquarium under the gravel. Must not be used with sand substrates. UGFs have small slits in them for the water to pass through, and tubes on each end for the placement of the power supply.. There are two ways to power a UGF. You can use the traditional way, and power it using an air pump with the tubes, with an airstone on the bottom. A check valve should be used to prevent back-siphoning of water into the air pump. The other way to power it is using a Powerhead. Both ways draw water from under the gravel, making the water clearer by drawing the waste to the gravel where it can be cleaned up quickly. These are usually used in conjunction with Internal Filters, Power Filters, HOB/HOT Filters, and External Canister Filters. There is also one other way to power UGFs with a Powerhead. When you go to purchase a Powerhead, it may come with a reverse flow kit. What this does is it uses the impellor/motor in reverse flow, which means instead of drawing water in, it shoots water out. When used in reverse flow with a UGF, it blows all of the debris that has settled to the bottom, up into the water where your other filter can then suck it up and trap it in the sponges/Cartridges.

Powerheads:

Powerheads are simple filters. They are connected to a UGF and use a small motor like the ones used in Internal Filters. It does NOT contain any means of filtration. (i.e. Filter Sponge/Wool and carbon). Some Powerheads have an air intake tube that sits outside the aquarium to incorporate oxygen with the water.

Internal Canister Filters:

Internal Canister Filters are one of the basic types of filters. Internal Filters are usually very compact, with mounting brackets or suction cupped on the side of the aquarium. Internals are very good filters for those who only keep small aquariums. (i.e. tanks usually smaller than 30 gallons.) Internal filters draw water through an intake chamber at the bottom of the filter. Then the water is drawn through a sponge and then through carbon. Sometimes it may come with pre-sized cartridges. After being drawn through all of those, that the filtered water will return to the aquarium through the top of the Internal Filter output. Should be cleaned usually when filter output slows, your every couple of months.

Power Filters and HOB/HOT (Hang On Back/Tank)Filters:

Power Filters and HOB/HOT Filters are the next step in filtration. They take some assembly. Power Filters and HOB/HOT Filters draw water in from the tank using an impellor through an intake tube. The intake tube can usually be adjustable according to the depth/height of your tank. Then the water passes through a preassembled Filter Cartridge and the trickles out from a little "waterfall". These Filters come in various sizes ranging for filters from 5 gallons to 60 gallons. Cartridges should be changed every month, or when filter output has slowed.

External Canister Filters:

External Canister Filters are for the serious and dedicated aquarist. External Canister Filters are outside of the aquarium. These are the most recommended filters for aquariums as they have a large surface area for essential bacteria, and can hold large amounts of filtration media. Even better for essential bacteria. The Externals usually have media baskets for filtration media, or preset slots. External Canister Filters require the most assembly out of all of the filters I have mentioned. The only two main parts that are placed inside of the aquarium are the intake tube, and output tube/spraybar. When the External is assembled, you will have to prime the filter (which means to fill it up with water). This usually requires the intake tube to be under the water, and using a priming mechanism to get the water to start siphoning into the filter. Once the filter is filled and it is where you want it, it can be turned on for use. Since these are the largest, they are the most expensive. (But definitely worth the cost) These filters are used for large aquariums, ranging in sizes from 30 gallons all the way up to 200 gallons. Some Externals are even equipped with a heater inside of the External. These are placed below the water level of the aquarium.

Sump Filters:

Sump Filters are very large in size, and are usually homemade. They can consist of various types of media and heaters to heat the tank without having filters inside of the aquarium. They have a powerful filter that is used to return water to the aquarium. These are normally used in a LFS (Local Fish Supplier) because they have the ability to make the volume of the system larger.

Well.. That about sums up my essay on basic filters. Hope you all gain something from this, and enjoy the new forum.

Thanks, and cheers!