Aquarium top filter

Types of aquarium top filters

Aquarium top filters are filtering systems designed to be placed at the top of an aquarium. They offer an efficient way to maintain water quality by performing mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Different types of aquarium top filters cater to various tank sizes and setups, ensuring clean and clear water for the inhabitants. They help maintain a clean and healthy environment for fish and aquatic plants. There are several types of aquarium top filters, each with unique features and benefits.

• Hang-on-back (HOB) filters

  These filters hang on the back of the aquarium. They are popular among fish keepers because they are easy to install and maintain. HOB filters draw water up from the tank through a siphon and then return the filtered water back to the tank. They usually have multiple filtration media, such as sponge, activated carbon, and ceramic rings, which provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

• Canister filters

  Canister filters are more powerful than HOB filters and are suitable for larger aquariums or tanks that require more filtration. They are placed below the aquarium, and a motorized pump draws water into the canister, where it passes through various filter media before being pumped back into the tank. Canister filters can be customized with different filter media and can handle multiple filtration stages.

• Power filters

  Power filters are also known as internal power filters. They are submersible filters that combine a motorized pump with filter media in one unit. They are compact, easy to install, and suitable for small aquariums. Power filters provide adjustable water flow and have foam pads, activated carbon, and other media for effective filtration.

• Internal filters

  Internal filters are designed to be placed inside the aquarium. They are submersible and can be attached to the tank wall using suction cups or brackets. They are suitable for small tanks, betta fish tanks, and aquariums without a strong current. Internal filters have sponge pads and other filter media for mechanical and biological filtration.

• Sponge filters

  Sponge filters are simple devices that consist of a sponge as the main filtering medium. They work by creating an upward water movement through the use of air stones or compressed air. When water flows through the sponge, dirt particles get trapped inside its pores, thus cleaning the water. These types of filters are mostly used in breeding tanks, fry tanks, or where gentle water currents are needed.

• Undergravel filters

  Undergravel filters are placed at the bottom of the aquarium and use gravel as their main filtering medium. They consist of plastic plates supported by a network of tubes. Water is drawn down through the gravel and up through these tubes, creating a biological filtration system powered by bacteria living within the gravel bed.

Designs of aquarium top filters

Aquarium top filters come in different designs to cater to the needs of fish keepers and their aquatic pets. These various designs ensure that different aquariums have appropriate filtration systems for healthy water.

• Hang-on-back filters

  Hang-on-back (HOB) filters are the most popular type of aquarium top filter. They hang on the back of the tank and have a pump that draws water up through an intake tube. The water then passes through filter media in a filter box before returning to the aquarium. HOB filters are easy to install and maintain, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers.

• Cannister filters

  Canister filters are another common type of aquarium top filter. They are usually placed outside the aquarium, and water is drawn into them by a motorized pump. The water is then forced through various filtering materials back into the tank via an outlet pipe. Canister filters can be used for large aquariums because they have high flow rates and can handle heavy loads.

• Internal filters

  Internal filters are also known as submersible filters. They are submerged inside the aquarium, with their motor and filter media housed in a casing below the water level. An internal filter draws water up through its intake tube, then pushes it out through its outlet back into the tank. Internal filters are compact and affordable, making them ideal for small aquariums or tanks with limited space.

• Powerhead filters

  Powerhead filters use powerheads as filter pumps. Powerheads are submersible water pumps designed for aquariums. When used as powerhead filters, the powerhead draws water into the filter and pushes it out through the outlet back into the tank. These types of filters work well in large tanks where other filters may not be effective enough.

• Surface skimmer filters

  Surface skimmer filters remove organic debris from the surface water layer, such as leaves, food particles, and fish waste. They help maintain good water quality by preventing the accumulation of such waste on the water surface, which could disrupt oxygen exchange between air and water. Surface skimmer filters are usually attached to the side wall near the water level.

Usage scenarios of aquarium top filters

• Freshwater Aquariums

  Freshwater aquariums use top filters to maintain clean water for fish and aquatic plants. The filter removes fish waste, uneaten food, and debris, creating a healthy environment. Freshwater tanks with top filters often have a variety of fish species and beautiful aquatic plants.

• Saltwater Aquariums

  Saltwater aquariums rely on top filters to provide clean water for fish and coral reefs. These filters eliminate waste and create a suitable habitat. Saltwater tanks with top filters usually contain tropical fish and delicate coral reefs.

• Cichlid Tanks

  Cichlid tanks use top filters to handle waste in aggressive fish environments. These filters are strong to keep up with the high waste in a small area. Cichlid tanks need strong filters to handle the waste from these intelligent and territorial fish.

• Tropical Fish Tanks

  Tropical fish tanks use top filters to clean warm water for various fish species. These filters keep the water clean and suitable for sensitive tropical fish. Different tropical fish thrive in tanks with top filters, which often have heaters to keep the water warm.

• Planted Aquariums

  Planted aquariums use top filters to keep water clean and support plant growth. These filters remove dirt and provide a healthy habitat for fish and plants. In planted aquariums, top filters often have special media that benefits both fish and plants.

• Quarantine Tanks

  A quarantine tank uses top filters to clean water for sick or new fish. This helps keep other fish safe. Quarantine tanks are temporary homes with top filters to separate and care for fish that need it.

• Bowl Filters in Betta Tanks

  Betta fish tanks use bowl filters to provide clean water. These small filters suit the size of a Betta tank. Betta tanks often use these filters, keeping the water clean and suitable for the single Betta fish.

How to choose aquarium top filter

There are various factors to consider when choosing the best top filter for an aquarium. Some of them are:

• Size and capacity of the aquarium

  The size of the aquarium should be considered when choosing a filter. A larger tank may require a more powerful filter with a higher flow rate to ensure adequate water circulation and filtration. Smaller tanks, on the other hand, would benefit from filters with adjustable flow rates or ones designed specifically for gentle water movement so as not to disturb the delicate balance within such confined spaces.

• Type of filtration

  Different filters employ various types of mechanisms in their functionality. Some provide mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration while others combine these processes differently. Mechanical filtration removes solid particles from the water using filter sponges or pads, which are usually the first stage in most filters. Biological filtration utilizes beneficial bacteria that break down harmful fish waste and organic matter, thus cleaning the water biologically. Chemical filter media like activated carbon adsorb impurities such as discolorations and odors from the water, ensuring it remains clear and fresh. Aquarium top filters can have all three kinds of filtration, but the effectiveness depends on the design and filter media used. It's essential to choose a filter that provides the necessary type of filtration to keep the aquarium water clean and the fish healthy.

• Noise level

  Some aquarium top filters can be noisy, disturbing both the fish and their owners. The noise level of a filter should be considered, especially if the aquarium is located in a quiet area such as a bedroom or office. Some filters have noise-reducing features like vibration-dampening pads or soundproof enclosures that minimize the operating sound. If noise is a concern, look for filters designed to operate quietly.

• Ease of maintenance

  The ease of maintenance of the filter should also be considered. How often does the filter need to be cleaned or have its filter media replaced? Some top filters have user-friendly features like filter media replacement indicators, easy-access filter compartments, and washable filter sponges that make them simple to maintain. If the maintenance is too frequent or complicated, it may be a sign that the filter is not efficient enough.

Q&A

Q1: What are the benefits of using an aquarium top filter?

A1: Top filters clear the water surface, aerate water, and generate less noise. They also take up less room inside the tank and provide a more natural water flow.

Q2: How does an aquarium top filter work?

A2: They suck dirty water through an intake pipe, then pass it through filter media to remove impurities, and finally return clean water to the tank via an outlet pipe.

Q3: What types of aquarium top filters are there?

A3: They include box filters, hang-on-back (HOB) filters, and canister filters, among others.

Q4: What should one consider while choosing an aquarium top filter?

A4: Consider tank size, desired filtration rate, noise level, ease of maintenance, and type of filtration.

Q5: How often should filter media be changed?

A5: It is advisable to change the filter media every month to maintain the efficiency of the filter.